Warriors stunned as Blazers’ trio outduels Curry in epic shootout
The Golden State Warriors faced a disappointing defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers, falling 136-131 in a thrilling contest at the Moda Center on Sunday night. This loss has ignited discussions in the Bay Area regarding the need for a trade to stabilize the Warriors’ season.
Calls for Change in San Francisco
In the aftermath of the game, analysts are suggesting the Warriors should consider acquiring specific players to better support their superstar, Steph Curry. Notably, Joey Akeley from Sports Illustrated pointed to potential targets like Herb Jones, Myles Turner, and Ivica Zubac. Each player offers unique skills that could bolster the Warriors’ lineup.
Herb Jones: A 6’7″ wing defender, known for his tenacity and ability to disrupt opponents.
Myles Turner: At 6’11”, he serves as an ideal rim protector, adding both defensive prowess and floor spacing.
Ivica Zubac: Standing at 7’0″, Zubac is another strong option for rim protection.
However, the Warriors’ path to acquiring any of these players hinges on trading Jonathan Kuminga, which cannot occur until January 15. Akeley emphasized the urgency of addressing the team’s needs promptly, noting, “Maybe the Warriors can keep it together enough for a month. But the sooner they make a trade to fix one of these issues, the better off they’ll be.”
Given Draymond Green’s performance against Donovan Clingan, the desire for a physical big man like Zubac or Turner is understandable. Turner, in particular, could enhance the Warriors’ offensive spacing, forcing opposing bigs to adjust defensively.
Blazers’ Star Trio Shines Bright
Despite Curry’s incredible performance, scoring 48 points, the Warriors fell to a disappointing 13-14 record. The Blazers’ success was largely attributed to their dynamic trio: Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Jerami Grant, who combined for an impressive 96 points on 30-of-56 shooting, including 14-of-24 from three-point range.
This offensive explosion reflects the coaching strategies of Tiago Splitter, who has been urging his players to be more aggressive in attacking the rim. “Those guys have talent; we need them to be aggressive,” Splitter explained. “So, I don’t see just a number. I see the game, I see what they’re doing, and if it’s the right shot for that particular play.”
The Blazers’ ability to exploit mismatches and penetrate the Warriors’ defense was evident throughout the game, as they took full advantage of the Warriors’ struggles to contain them.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Trail Blazers celebrated win number 10, showcasing their growth and adaptability under Splitter’s guidance. As the Warriors consider their next moves, the balance of power in the Western Conference could shift, depending on how they respond to this loss and the impending trade decisions.
The next few weeks will be crucial as Golden State navigates a challenging season, with the hope that strategic adjustments can lead to a more competitive roster.
