Warriors dominate Blazers

Jimmy Butler III scored 24 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 103-86 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, April 11.

Stephen Curry added 14 points for the Warriors, who dominated the game and led by as many as 27 points. Despite the win, the Warriors did not clinch a playoff spot and will have to wait until Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Clippers to determine their postseason fate.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented on the tight playoff race, saying, “I can’t remember anything like this where, I mean, I saw today there’s a potential for a five-way tie. That’s crazy after 82 games."

Jabari Walker led Portland with 19 points. The Blazers, already eliminated from postseason contention, showed promise by developing young players like Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Toumani Camara. The team was missing several key players, including Henderson, Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and DeAndre Ayton.

The Blazers led early in the first quarter, 20-14, but the Warriors quickly took control. Curry’s 3-pointer extended Golden State's lead to 38-27, and Portland never threatened afterward.

Golden State led 50-37 at halftime and outscored Portland 17-3 in the third quarter, sparked by Moses Moody’s 3-pointer. Butler capped the third-quarter run with an alley-oop dunk from Draymond Green. Butler also went a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

The Warriors will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers will conclude their season at home against the Los Angeles Lakers.