The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t just beat the Golden State Warriors — they dismantled them. On Friday, October 24, 2025, at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, the Blazers roared to a 139-119 victory, snapping Golden State’s nine-game winning streak in stunning fashion. The game, tipped off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. With Deni Avdija pouring in 26 points and Jerami Grant adding 22, Portland outscored the Warriors by 20 points in the second half, turning a tight game into a blowout. Even Stephen Curry, who dropped 35 points and seven three-pointers, couldn’t carry Golden State through the chaos.
From Underdogs to Upset Artists
Few expected this outcome. Before tip-off, the Warriors were 2-0 and riding a nine-game win streak dating back to last season. The Blazers? They’d lost their opener and were listed as underdogs by most oddsmakers. FOX Sports had them as 3-point underdogs; iHeart Radio’s 950kjr, oddly enough, flipped it to Portland as 1.5-point favorites. Even the most optimistic computer models predicted a 124-116 Blazers win. No one saw 139-119 coming. The final score wasn’t just a surprise — it shattered expectations. The total points (258) blew past the over/under of 227.5, and the Blazers’ 41-point second quarter — their highest of the season — was the turning point. It wasn’t luck. It was execution.Avdija Leads, Warriors Falter
Deni Avdija didn’t just play well — he played like a franchise cornerstone. His 26 points came with poise, his six assists carved open Golden State’s defense, and his five rebounds anchored Portland’s transition game. This wasn’t the kind of performance you expect from a player entering his fifth NBA season. It was the kind you see from someone who’s been waiting for this moment. Meanwhile, Jerami Grant provided the physicality the Blazers had been missing — 22 points, relentless defense, and a presence that disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm. On the other side, Stephen Curry was brilliant — as always. Seven threes, six rebounds, 35 points. But brilliance isn’t enough when your team’s defense collapses. Golden State allowed 36 points in the fourth quarter — their worst defensive quarter of the season. And with Golden State Warriors playing the second night of a back-to-back, fatigue showed. Their ball movement, usually crisp, turned sluggish. Their rotations, usually sharp, were late.Injuries and Interim Leadership
The Warriors were already thin. De’Anthony Melton, Alex Toohey, and Al Horford were all out — two with knee injuries, one with a toe issue. But Portland’s injuries were more consequential. Damian Lillard, the franchise’s heart and soul, was out for the season with a torn Achilles. Scoot Henderson and Robert Williams III were also sidelined. That made this win even more remarkable. How did they do it? With Tiago Splitter coaching his first game as interim head coach. The former Spurs center, now in his debut as a head coach, brought structure, discipline, and a defensive mindset that had been missing. He didn’t rely on stars. He relied on roles. And it worked.Standings Shake-Up and Conference Implications
Before the game, the Warriors sat at 2-0, tied for second in the Western Conference. Afterward, they dropped to 2-1, falling into a crowded middle tier. The Blazers, once 0-1, surged to 1-1 and climbed to 7-9 overall — still below .500, but now in the playoff conversation. The Oklahoma City Thunder still lead the NBA at 16-1. The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 11-4. But Portland’s win sent a message: the West isn’t just about the top two. It’s about who can survive the grind. And the Blazers, despite injuries, showed they can.
What’s Next?
Golden State heads into a long road trip, with no rest in sight. Their next game is in Sacramento — a team they’ve beaten easily in the past. But momentum? Gone. Confidence? Shaken. Meanwhile, Portland gets a rare home stretch. They’ll host the Utah Jazz on Sunday, then the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Avdija and Grant playing like All-Stars, and Splitter finding his voice, this could be the spark that turns their season around.Behind the Numbers
The Blazers’ offensive efficiency was historic. They shot 52% from the field and 41% from three. Their bench outscored Golden State’s 48-29. They had 28 assists — their highest of the season. The Warriors, despite Curry’s heroics, had only 24 assists. Their turnover count (17) was their highest since last March. Portland forced 15 steals — a sign of their aggressive, disciplined defense under Splitter.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Trail Blazers win without Damian Lillard?
Without Lillard, Portland leaned on role players and defensive intensity. Deni Avdija stepped into a leadership role, scoring 26 points and orchestrating the offense. Jerami Grant provided physicality, and Tiago Splitter’s coaching emphasized ball movement and spacing. The team’s bench outscored Golden State’s 48-29, proving depth can replace star power — at least for one night.
Why did the Warriors lose despite Stephen Curry’s 35 points?
Curry carried the offense, but the Warriors’ defense collapsed in the second half, allowing 70 points after halftime. Their ball movement slowed, turnovers increased, and they lacked interior presence with Horford, Melton, and Toohey out. Even elite scoring can’t overcome poor defense and fatigue — especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
What does this mean for the Western Conference standings?
The win pushed the Trail Blazers to 7-9, pulling them within striking distance of the playoff cutoff. The Warriors fell to 9-9, slipping into a logjam of teams vying for top-6 seeding. With Oklahoma City at 16-1 and the Lakers at 11-4, the West is still dominated by two elite teams — but Portland’s win shows the middle tier is more competitive than expected.
How significant is Tiago Splitter’s debut as head coach?
Extremely. Splitter, a former Spurs champion, brought structure and discipline to a team that had been playing disjointed basketball. His defensive schemes forced 17 turnovers, and his rotation decisions — especially trusting the bench — paid off. This win isn’t just about players; it’s about culture. Splitter may be interim, but his impact could be permanent.
Did injuries play a bigger role than expected?
Absolutely. Golden State’s three missing rotation players — especially Melton and Horford — left them vulnerable on defense and in the paint. Portland’s injuries were more severe (Lillard’s season-ending Achilles), yet they compensated with teamwork. The Warriors’ depth was exposed. The Blazers’ resilience was revealed.
What’s the historical context of this game?
This was the first meeting between the teams in the 2025-26 season. Before this, Golden State had won the last four matchups, including a 140-104 blowout last October. Portland’s 20-point win is their largest margin of victory over the Warriors since 2021. It’s also the first time since 2019 that Portland has defeated Golden State by more than 15 points at home.