The Portland defense is starting to develop chemistry, but Golden State closes out the game.

The Golden State Warriors slept-walked to a 100-92 victory over the ambitious Portland Trail Blazers tonight in front of the Moda Center crowd. Steph Curry led the way with 22 points but struggled shooting the ball throughout the night. Then with about six minutes left in the game, Curry decided they did need the win in order to keep pace with the LA Lakers for better positioning in the Play-In games.

The Blazers, led by Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson, and Jabari Walker, played well enough to win the game. With 8:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Blazers held a 85-79 lead. Portland looked focused and Golden State looked gassed. But the mark of a good team, player, and franchise is how you respond down the stretch of close games and the Warriors showed they still have another gear.

This was an interesting game in terms of lottery odds. The Blazers are still able to improve their own draft position by losing games and hoping the San Antonio Spurs and/or Charlotte Hornets win out. On the flip side, the Blazers can acquire a better draft selection from the Warriors if they lose down the stretch and miss the playoffs. So no matter if you’re a glass half empty or half full person, this game was a dilemma for you.

If you missed the game, you can find an instant recap here. After you’ve read that, here are the details that defined the contest.

D-Fense

The Blazers played connected and inspired defense tonight. And I already know what you’re going to say, “The Warriors were playing without Klay Thompson and Draymond Green,” but they still had Curry and enough firepower to score at will against an even more depleted than normal Portland team. The Blazers forced more turnovers than the Warriors (16), outrebounded the Warriors (49-46), and held Golden State to only 34% shooting from three point range. And it was even worse before Curry and Chris Paul decided to connect from long distance to close out the game.

Rayan Rupert and Doup Reath played a huge role on the defensive end for the Blazers. Rupert started the game forcing a missed shot and turnover in the paint. He held his position and went straight up with his 97 foot wingspan to disrupt the Warriors drive to the basket. Reath was active around the rim as well, coming out of nowhere to block shots and disrupt passing lanes. The Blazers need to continue building chemistry with this unit on this side of the ball.

Scoot Henderson

Speed and acceleration are a skill in the NBA that many teams covet. Henderson has those in spades. What he needs to develop is a deceleration gear and a patience to let the game come to him. Scoot was scoring well and played above average lateral defense. Sadly, the big number that will stick out will be his 9 turnovers.

The last game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Scoot dished out 15 assists but committed 8 turnovers. Tonight, Scoot handed out 12 assists, but the turnover rate increased. Before Rip City freaks out, you have to look at why those turnovers are happening. Henderson is seeing the play develop before it actually does. He was throwing passes tonight before his teammates were ready or before they had reached their spot. As a point guard, this can’t happen, but as a young point guard, I think he deserves more of an explanation.

Henderson is so eager to prove his worth and at the same time, the Portland fan base is ready to embrace a potential future All Star. We need to let the 19 year old grow and develop. I guarantee, he is further along in the NBA than Damian Lillard, Curry, or Paul was at 19 years old…

Walker the Man-Child

Jabari Walker was feasting tonight on a Golden State team that figured they wouldn’t have to try hard to win this game. The spread was set at 13.5 points and the Blazers well covered that and Walker was a huge reason why. His motor does not allow opponents to coast on the Blazers. Walker finished with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and a Power Level 9000 on hustle plays.

Being able to grab 16 rebounds and still be a threat from the three point line is insane. Walker connected on 2-3 of his attempts from deep. He is figuring out where to be on the offensive end of the court, and that is scary for the rest of the league as he wraps up his sophomore campaign in the NBA.

Positivity for Next Season

The Blazers should be excited at where they sit right now. Looking up at this Warriors team is not as daunting as it used to be. The Lakers, Clippers and Suns are getting old. Yes, there are a lot of young teams ahead of the Blazers as well, but this Portland team will have something to say in the Western Conference sooner rather than later.

The Blazers play their last home game of the season Friday night against the Houston Rockets, then they finish the season Sunday in Sacramento.