Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in Portland on Sun Apr 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

Warriors Avoid Play In Tournament With Decisive Win Over Portland 157-101

By Barbara Mason

It’s an exciting time for the Golden State Warriors (44-38) who now control their own destiny. Sunday they took on the Portland Trail Blazers (33-49). The Warriors win guaranteed them a spot in the playoffs and were eliminated from a play in game with a huge win over the Trail Blazers 157-101 in the last game of the 2022-23 season.

The Warriors had an amazing opening quarter in this game. Klay Thompson had five triples and the team finished the first quarter with 12 shots from beyond the arc and led after the first twelve minutes 55-27.

Those 55 points in the first quarter were a new NBA record and the 12 made three’s tied the most shots in an opening quarter and the Warriors were having a terrific game. On top of all of these milestones, Thompson became only the third players in NBA history to hit 300 3-pointers in a season. Only one turnover; just another high point in an amazing start for Golden State.

The Warriors kept some tight defense on Portland and limited their scoring opportunities continuing to maintain their significant lead 64-34 with eight minutes left in the half. After the first two quarters Golden State had an 84-53 lead. The way these guys were shooting three’s left you breathless.

The Warriors would take some incredible momentum into the third quarter, the likes of which we have not seen all season especially on the road. Two quarters stood between the Warriors and a spot in the playoffs plus the elimination of a play-in tournament.

There were only five turnovers in the first half for the Warriors. They were shooting at nearly 60% from the field and over 50% from downtown. They were out rebounding the Trail Blazers 29 to 17. Stephen Curry finished the half with 18 points as did Jordan Poole off the bench.

There was no stopping the Warriors in the third quarter. They extended their lead to 120-75 with one quarter left in the game. Golden State had 21 shots from downtown shooting just over 55%. They had not let- down one bit in this game as they went into the final quarter.

With ten minutes left in the fourth quarter Curry, Green, Thompson, Poole and Looney were finished for the day. Curry finished with 26 points, Thompson had 20 points, and Poole had 21 off the bench. Golden State finished with 27 triples in this amazing win.

The long and winding road had come to an end for the Warriors in the regular season. If the way they have played to close out the season is any indication, these guys are peaking at the perfect time. With this decisive win the Warriors will get a week off before traveling to Sacramento to take on the Kings in the first round of the playoffs.