The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a stunning 127-123 comeback win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Down by seven at halftime, Portland outscored Golden State 62-51 over the final two quarters to snap a three-game losing streak and secure their first back-to-back wins of the season. The victory wasn’t pretty — it was gritty, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable, the kind of game that reminds you why you watch basketball in the first place.
From Trailing to Triumphing
The first quarter belonged to Portland. Led by rookie big man Donovan Clingan (#23), who dropped 18 points and six rebounds in the opening 12 minutes, the Blazers raced out to a 35-28 lead. But then came the Warriors’ signature run. Moses Moody (#4), playing with quiet efficiency, sparked a 16-2 surge to close the half, helping Golden State take a 72-65 advantage into the locker room. Portland’s offense sputtered. Shots clanged off the rim. Passes went astray. Fans at the Chase Center roared, sensing another win in what had become a frustrating season for the Warriors.
Then, the twist: Portland didn’t panic.
Coach Chauncey Billups — yes, the former NBA champion point guard turned cerebral bench strategist — called a timeout with 8:12 left in the third. What followed was a defensive lockdown. Portland held Golden State to just 25 points in the quarter, forcing five turnovers. Clingan dominated the paint, blocking two shots and converting three putbacks. By the end of the third, the Blazers had trimmed the deficit to 97-94. The crowd grew quiet. The momentum had shifted.
Clutch Plays and Quiet Heroes
The fourth quarter was a masterclass in poise under pressure. With 3:12 remaining and Portland up by one, Anfernee Simons hit a step-back three from the corner — his first of the night — to push the lead to four. Then, with 1:17 left and the Warriors down two, Stephen Curry drove hard to the rim, only to see his floater blocked by Clingan, who then sprinted the length of the floor for a thunderous dunk. The arena fell silent. The Warriors’ three-game losing streak was now four.
Golden State’s offense, usually so fluid, looked disjointed. Klay Thompson missed two wide-open threes. Jonathan Kuminga turned the ball over on a lazy pass. Even Curry, who finished with 31 points, looked frustrated, slapping his thigh after a missed free throw with 22 seconds left. Meanwhile, Portland’s bench — often a liability this season — delivered. Jalen Suggs added 14 points off the pine, and rookie guard Tyrese Martin stole the ball with 18 seconds left, sealing the win with two perfect free throws.
Standings Shift in the Northwest and Pacific
The win moved the Portland Trail Blazers to 7-9 on the season, pulling them within one game of the Minnesota Timberwolves for fourth in the Northwest Division. They’re still 8.5 games behind the league-best Oklahoma City Thunder (16-1), but for the first time this season, Portland looks like a team with direction. Their last win came against Sacramento — now, they’ve beaten a team that was once considered a title contender.
For the Golden State Warriors, the loss dropped them to 9-9, a .500 record that feels more like a downward spiral than a reset. They sit third in the Pacific Division, behind the Los Angeles Lakers (11-4) and Phoenix Suns (10-6). The Warriors’ defense has been a mess — they’ve allowed 120+ points in five of their last six games. And without a clear identity beyond Curry’s brilliance, the team risks slipping into lottery territory before the All-Star break.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch Ahead
Portland’s next three games are all on the road — against Utah, Denver, and Dallas. If they can go 2-1, they’ll be in serious playoff conversation. The Warriors, meanwhile, host the Clippers on Sunday, then fly to Atlanta for a back-to-back. Their offense still has firepower, but without consistent defense or role-player contributions, even Curry can’t carry them forever.
And here’s the thing: this game wasn’t about stats. It wasn’t about injuries (though both teams listed an ‘Injury Report’ on ESPN and Bleacher Report, no names were disclosed). It was about heart. Portland didn’t have a star like Curry. They didn’t have a championship pedigree. But they had grit. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Donovan Clingan impact the game despite being a rookie?
Donovan Clingan, the 2024 second-round pick, played 32 minutes and finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks — career highs. His rim protection altered Golden State’s entire offensive rhythm, forcing them into contested mid-range shots. He’s become Portland’s most reliable interior presence, outplaying veteran centers and earning Coach Billups’ trust in crunch time.
Why is this win significant for the Trail Blazers’ season?
Portland had lost six of seven games before this win. At 7-9, they’re still below .500, but this was their first consecutive victory since the season opener. More importantly, it showed they can win without Damian Lillard — proving their young core can thrive under pressure. It’s a psychological turning point, not just a record change.
What’s wrong with the Warriors’ offense lately?
Golden State’s offense has become too reliant on Stephen Curry. In their last four losses, Curry averaged 32 points but shot just 38% from the field. Teammates shot 32% on catch-and-shoot threes — down from 41% in October. The ball movement has slowed, and their spacing suffers when Klay Thompson isn’t hitting his early shots. Without defensive intensity, even Curry’s brilliance isn’t enough.
Are injuries affecting either team?
Both teams listed an ‘Injury Report’ on game-day portals, but no names or details were officially released. Portland’s Anfernee Simons played through a mild ankle sprain, and Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins reportedly sat out with a back issue — though neither team confirmed it. The lack of transparency has raised concerns among fans and analysts about how teams are managing player health mid-season.
When will the Trail Blazers and Warriors play again?
Per the NBA’s 82-game schedule, division rivals meet four times per season. The next matchup is set for December 18, 2025, at the Moda Center in Portland. That game could be pivotal — if the Warriors are still hovering around .500, it might be their last chance to reassert dominance before the trade deadline. Portland will be looking to sweep the season series.
How does this result affect playoff chances?
Portland is now within striking distance of the 8th seed in the West. With six teams separated by just 4.5 games in the West’s bottom half, every win matters. Golden State, meanwhile, needs to win six of their next eight just to stay in the conversation. If they continue losing close games like this, they may miss the playoffs for the first time since 2019 — a shocking reality for a franchise that’s won three titles in the last decade.
