Blazers Beat Warriors Again, Behind Sharpe, Grant and a Frontcourt Boost
For the third time this season, the Portland Trail Blazers walked off the court with a win over the Golden State Warriors. And for the third time, the Warriors were left searching for answers. Portland’s 136-131 victory wasn’t just another notch in the win column-it was a reminder that this team, even in a season full of ups and downs, still has the fight to take down a heavyweight.
Let’s break down what stood out in a game where the Blazers got some much-needed reinforcements, a pair of 35-point performances, and just enough defense to hold off another Steph Curry explosion.
Frontcourt Returns Shift the Energy
Before the opening tip, Portland got the kind of news every team loves-Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III were cleared to play. After missing time due to injury and illness, their return couldn’t have come at a better moment. The Blazers had dropped three straight and were looking increasingly thin in the paint.
The impact was immediate. Portland won the rebounding battle 43-36, and Williams came off the bench with a double-double-11 points and 11 boards-in just 22 minutes.
His presence helped stabilize the interior, giving the Blazers a physical edge they’ve lacked during their recent skid. Clingan’s minutes were more limited, but his size alone altered the Warriors’ shot selection in key moments.
This wasn’t just about stats-it was about tone. The Blazers looked more connected, more confident, and more capable of holding their own in the paint. That’s not a coincidence.
Shaedon Sharpe Steals the Spotlight
Shaedon Sharpe has had an up-and-down season, but tonight, he was undeniable. In 33 minutes, he dropped 35 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. He added 3 assists and 4 steals, but more than anything, he played with a swagger that set the tone for Portland’s offense.
Acting head coach Tiago Splitter praised Sharpe’s confidence postgame, and it showed. Sharpe didn’t force shots-he flowed with the rhythm of the game, attacking when the opportunity was there and spacing the floor when it wasn’t.
His own take? “I was just hoopin’… havin’ fun with it.”
And it looked exactly like that.
When Sharpe plays with this kind of freedom and focus, he’s a difference-maker. Tonight, he was the spark that kept Portland’s offense humming.
Jerami Grant Matches the Fire
Not to be outdone, Jerami Grant matched Sharpe’s 35 points in 34 gritty minutes. He attacked mismatches, hit timely jumpers, and got to the line when the Blazers needed a steady hand. It’s rare to see two Blazers players each go for 35 in the same game, but that’s exactly what happened.
Grant’s physicality gave the Warriors problems all night. Whether it was drawing contact in the lane or hitting mid-range shots over smaller defenders, he was relentless. When Grant and Sharpe are both clicking like this, Portland’s offense becomes a multi-layered problem for opposing defenses.
Add in 26 points from Deni Avdija, who continues to be a steady contributor, and the Blazers had just enough firepower to outlast a late Golden State push.
Steph Was Steph… But It Wasn’t Enough
Let’s be clear: Steph Curry did what Steph Curry does. He hit 12 threes on 19 attempts and finished with 48 points. Some of those shots were from way beyond the arc, and yes, the celebrations were in full swing.
But here’s the thing-despite the fireworks, Curry ended the night with a minus-8 in the plus-minus column. That’s not a stat you often see next to a 48-point performance, and it speaks to how well Portland responded every time he caught fire.
The Blazers didn’t shut him down-no one really does-but they made his buckets feel like solo acts instead of momentum-changers. And when it mattered most, they got the stops they needed.
Tanking? Not With This Group
There’s been some chatter about Portland’s direction this season, especially after a few rough outings. But games like this make one thing clear: this team isn’t built to roll over. Even with a short-handed roster, they’ve managed to scrap, claw, and in this case, outlast a team with championship pedigree.
The return of just a couple of key players made a visible difference. Imagine what happens when the rest of the roster gets healthy. That’s not the profile of a team looking to tank-it’s the profile of a team trying to grow, compete, and build something sustainable.
Final Word
This win wasn’t perfect-defensive lapses and turnovers kept things closer than they needed to be-but it was a strong response from a team that could’ve easily folded after three straight losses. Instead, the Blazers punched back, leaned on their returning bigs, and rode two 35-point performances to another win over the Warriors.
Three games, three wins against Golden State. That’s not a fluke-it’s a statement.