On Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors trounced the Portland Trail Blazers 100-92, advancing their late-season campaign for a better Western Conference play-in tournament placement. 

With the win, the Warriors will still be in charge of their own fate regarding the ninth position and will also have an opportunity to lock up the eighth spot.

In an attempt to take the risk that Steph Curry and the rest of the squad could overcome a struggling Blazers team, the Dubs decided to sit out Klay Thompson and Draymond Green during the first part of a back-to-back. 

Even though it was closer than they would have preferred, Golden State managed to win, and two of its key players will now be rested for their Friday night matchup with the Pelicans.

The fact that Curry was cold for most of the game made it difficult for the Warriors. The superstar scored 22 points, dished out eight assists, and pulled down seven rebounds to lead the Warriors. However, he was mostly ineffective from the field in the fourth quarter and only shot 8 of 22 overall.

Jonathan Kuminga took advantage of his starter’s playing time and scored 19 points on 7 of 11 shots while Curry was far from perfect and Green was sitting down for the evening. The plethora of other kids that play for the Dubs also made vital contributions. With eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and ten points, Trayce Jackson-Davis packed the box score. Additionally, off the bench, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody each added a spark.

The most unexpected performance, though, came from another veteran. After playing for almost twenty-one minutes, Kevon Looney had his greatest game of the season. In his little time on the court, the Warriors big man finished with 9 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. Even though Looney has not been as active this season, minutes like those might support a comeback to a more significant role.

For the great part of the game, neither team had a lead of more than five points. With nine minutes remaining in regulation, the Blazers had built a six-point lead and Curry appeared to be shut down, making it look like the Warriors would fall behind in a closely contested defensive showdown.

Then, Curry went into overdrive, making a few clutch shots and creating easy baskets for his teammates. Conversely, the Dubs tightened up and accelerated their way to a 16-1 lead.

In the last two minutes, with the Warriors leading 97-90, Podziemski pulled down an offensive rebound, which set up Chris Paul for a three-pointer that gave the team its first double-digit lead of the game and effectively ended the game.