Trail Blazers Stun Warriors 136-131 Behind Grant and Sharpe’s Explosive Night
You can usually tell when a game is going to be special. The air in the Moda Center feels a little different for the Trail Blazers, the crowd noise has a specific edge to it, and the stars align for a shootout. That’s exactly what happened Sunday night as the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a three-game skid with a thrilling 136-131 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
In a game that saw Stephen Curry erupt for 48 points and 12 three-pointers, the Blazers didn’t fold. They didn’t crumble under the pressure of a legend having a legendary night. Instead, they punched back, led by the dynamic duo of Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe, who each dropped 35 points in a display of offensive resilience that Portland fans have been craving.
Grant and Sharpe Carry the Load for the Trail Blazers
This season has been a rollercoaster for Portland, full of growing pains and “almost” moments. But tonight, the potential turned into production. Jerami Grant was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with a season-high seven 3-pointers. He wasn’t just scoring; he was answering. Every time the Warriors looked ready to run away with the momentum, Grant was there to hit a big shot, calm the offense, and keep the team grounded.
Then there was Shaedon Sharpe. Watching Sharpe operate is like watching the future unfold in real-time. He matched Grant’s 35 points with an efficiency that belied his years, shooting 12-of-18 from the field. When the game got tight in the fourth quarter, Sharpe didn’t shy away. He attacked the rim, found his spots, and played with a confidence that energized the entire roster.
Having two players eclipse the 30-point mark in the same game is rare; having them do it against a team like Golden State, while weathering a Curry storm, is something else entirely. It showed that when this team clicks, the ceiling is much higher than their record suggests.
Weathering the Curry Storm
Let’s be honest: Stephen Curry is terrifying. Even coming off an injury, he looked every bit the superstar he is. Curry finished with 48 points, and at times, it felt like he couldn’t miss. He was pulling up from the logo, navigating screens with ease, and silencing the crowd with demoralizing triples.
In the past, a performance like that from an opposing star might have broken the Trail Blazers’ spirit. But tonight, Portland showed maturity. They withstood the barrage. When Curry hit a 3-pointer to put Golden State up late, the Blazers responded immediately. They didn’t panic. They simply executed.
The defensive intensity picked up when it mattered most. While you can’t stop Curry completely, you can make everything difficult for everyone else, and that’s what Portland did. They forced Draymond Green into eight turnovers and capitalized on Golden State’s mistakes, converting defense into offense at crucial moments.
Clutch Moments Define the Win
The game truly came down to the final minute, a tense back-and-forth that had everyone in the arena on their feet. With the score tied at 121 following an electrifying alley-oop from Donovan Clingan to Toumani Camara, the energy shifted. That dunk wasn’t just two points; it was an injection of adrenaline.
But the game was won at the line and in the paint. Deni Avdija, who quietly had a massive game with 26 points and 8 assists, stepped up to the free-throw line with 19.9 seconds left and ice in his veins. He sank both to stretch the lead to 132-129.
Even after Moses Moody brought the Warriors back within three with a dunk, it was Jerami Grant who sealed the deal. Stepping to the line with the game in the balance, he knocked down the free throws to make it a two-possession game. It was a fitting end for Grant, who had been the anchor for the team all night long.
A Much-Needed Confidence Boost
This wasn’t just another game on the schedule (one added late due to NBA Cup eliminations, at that). This was a morale booster. For a young team trying to find its identity, beating a veteran squad like the Warriors—and outlasting a historic performance from Curry—is huge.
The Trail Blazers moved the ball well, racking up 30 assists, and they dominated the glass, out-rebounding Golden State 52-42. It was a total team effort. Every time the Warriors pushed, Portland shoved back harder.
As the final buzzer sounded and the score read 136-131, the relief and joy on the court were palpable. The Trail Blazers proved to themselves, and the league, that they have the firepower to hang with anyone when they play their game. Now, the challenge is consistency. But for tonight? Tonight was a very good night in Rip City.
