The Golden State Warriors received good news hours before tipoff, as Kevin Durant was made available to play in Game 4. With a 3-0 series lead, the Warriors came into the Moda Center thirsty for a sweep, focused and determined right from the beginning. In an offensive clinic, Golden State knocked out the Portland Trail Blazers, winning 128-103.

First quarter explosion

The Warriors jumped out to 22-3 lead minutes into the game with an offensive explosion, as they were moving the ball around and knocking down threes with ease. The lead ballooned to 27 points at one point after a monstrous JaVale McGee alley-oop play.

The Warriors were clicking on all cylinders, as Stephen Curry had 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals all in the first period. Klay Thompson dropped in nine points, and the Warriors paced themselves to a 45-22 lead.

Damian Lillard second quarter

While the Warriors were holding their large lead throughout the first half, Damian Lillard was doing everything in his power to not allow the lead to extend any further. He dropped 16 points in the second quarter alone, but it wasn’t enough since backcourt mate C.J. McCollum was struggling, going scoreless in the first half.

On the opposite end, the Warriors were even receiving production from multiple role players, such as rookie Patrick McCaw, Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, and Andre Iguodala.

Golden State did not allow the Blazers to get any closer, attaining a healthy 24-point lead heading into intermission.

More Warriors dominance in the third quarter

The Warriors started the third quarter the same way they started the first, opening up with a quick 6-0 spurt. Stephen Curry’s three-point barrage continued, as the two-time MVP drilled seven of them.

While Lillard was still working hard to avoid a complete embarrassment, the rest of his team was non-existent, except for Al-Farouq Aminu.

Fourth quarter garbage time

The game was way out of reach for Portland to make any kind of comeback, so both teams inserted their third string players in the fourth. It was a dominating finish all the way to the end, as the Warriors swept the Blazers to advance to the second round.

Curry finished with 37 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals on 12-for-20 shooting. Draymond Green added 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, while Klay Thompson chipped in 18 points. Kevin Durant scored 10 points in 20 minutes.

The Blazers were led by Damian Lillard’s 34 points and six assists on 50 percent shooting. Aminu poured in 25 points and seven rebounds off the bench, while Shabazz Napier put in 14 points.

With the sweep, the Warriors have earned themselves an extended rest before the start of the second round where they will face either the Los Angeles Clippers or Utah Jazz.
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