By: Eric He
AP photo: The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson missed 13 of 20 but hit five three pointers and finished the game with 27 points on Tuesday night
For the longest time, it seemed like the Golden State Warriors’ chances of taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals over the Blazers was in jeopardy.
But then, the fourth quarter happened, and the Warriors came roaring back for a 110-99 win on Tuesday night at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors outscored the Blazers 34-12 in the fourth, turning an 11-point deficit into an 11-point victory. Klay Thompson’s 3-pointer midway through the fourth tied the game 91-91, and then another three gave the Warriors their first lead of the night at 94-93. From there, the Warriors pulled away with suffocating defense and a rhythm on offense that they didn’t have for much of the first half.
Thompson led the way with 27 points, though he struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 5-of-14. Draymond Green added 17 points and 14 rebounds. Festus Ezeli played key minutes in the fourth, scoring eight quick points and providing great energy to help spur the turnaround.
Early on, the Warriors found themselves in some trouble, as the Blazers jumped out to a 13-point lead after one and a 59-51 advantage at halftime.
The Warriors made several runs to cut into the deficit, but the Blazers, led by 25 points from Damian Lillard and 22 points from CJ McCollum, responded to every push by Golden State.
That is, until the final one. The Warriors cruised in the fourth for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to Portland on Saturday.

