Imagine a basketball game so intense, it leaves fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second. That’s exactly what happened when the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors clashed on December 14, 2025, in a thrilling 136-131 showdown. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a triumph of Portland’s resilience or a missed opportunity for Golden State? Let’s dive in.
In a game that felt like a rollercoaster, Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe stole the spotlight, each scoring 35 points to lift the Blazers out of a three-game slump. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, but it was Stephen Curry who nearly stole the show. Curry dropped a jaw-dropping 48 points, including a season-high 12 three-pointers—marking the 28th time he’s hit double-digit threes in a single game. And this is the part most people miss: Despite Curry’s heroics, the Warriors couldn’t close the deal.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle for the ages. Toumani Camara’s alley-oop dunk tied the game at 121, only for Curry to respond with a three-pointer and a layup. Portland regained the lead at 127-126, but Curry struck again with another three. Grant’s clutch basket and free throw gave the Blazers a slim one-point advantage, and Deni Avdija’s free throws with 19.9 seconds left extended it to 132-129. Moses Moody’s dunk brought the Warriors within three, but Grant’s final free throws sealed the deal at 136-131. Grant also set a personal best with seven three-pointers.
Curry’s performance was even more remarkable considering he was playing just his second game after a five-game absence due to a left quadriceps contusion. He had scored 39 points in Golden State’s loss to Minnesota just two nights prior. Meanwhile, Draymond Green returned to the starting lineup after missing the Timberwolves game for personal reasons, though he struggled with eight turnovers, including four in the third quarter, and a technical foul.
The Blazers took an early lead, going up 34-23 late in the first quarter thanks to Caleb Love’s three-pointer. However, the Warriors fought back, taking a 62-61 lead into halftime. Curry’s back-to-back threes in the third quarter gave Golden State their largest lead of the game at 79-70, but Portland’s tenacity ultimately prevailed.
Here’s the bold question: Did the Warriors lose this game, or did the Blazers win it? Curry’s performance was undeniable, but Portland’s balanced effort and clutch plays proved decisive. The game was added to the schedule after both teams were eliminated from the NBA Cup, but it felt like a playoff-level battle.
Looking ahead, the Warriors travel to Phoenix on Thursday, while the Trail Blazers host Sacramento the same night. One thing’s for sure: this game will be remembered as a testament to both teams’ grit and determination. What do you think? Did the Blazers deserve this win, or did the Warriors let it slip away? Let us know in the comments!
