The Chase Center was buzzing Tuesday night, and honestly, it wasn't just because the Golden State Warriors won. We’ve seen them win plenty of times. But the way they dismantled the Portland Trail Blazers 119-97 felt different. It was a weird, record-breaking kind of night where the box score looked like a glitch in the matrix.
Basically, the Warriors turned into a flamethrower from the jump. They didn't just win; they made history.
The record nobody saw coming
If you caught the GSW highlights last night, you probably noticed a lot of unfamiliar faces hitting shots late in the game. There’s a reason for that. Golden State and Portland combined to set an NBA record with 21 different players making at least one three-pointer in a single game.
Think about that for a second. 21 guys.
Usually, you’ve got your designated snipers and your "please don't shoot" big men. Not last night. It was like a league-wide memo went out saying everyone had to pull from deep. It kept the crowd in a state of constant noise, even when the lead ballooned past 20.
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Butler and Curry: A tale of two stars
Jimmy Butler was the engine. Ever since he landed in the Bay this past offseason, people have been wondering how he'd fit the "system." Last night was the answer. He dropped 16 points, grabbed 6 boards, and handed out 5 assists. He wasn't hunting shots; he was just... there. Everywhere.
Then you have Steph.
Kinda weird to say, but Curry actually struggled with his shot. He finished with just 7 points on 2-for-9 shooting. Usually, that’s a recipe for a Warriors' disaster. But Steph did that thing where he impacts the game without scoring. He racked up 11 assists, basically spoon-feeding the rest of the roster all night. It was his 148th career game with double-digit dimes.
The Melton spark plug
If there was a "player of the game" not named Jimmy, it had to be De’Anthony Melton. He came off the bench and just nuked Portland’s defense.
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Melton put up a season-high 23 points in just 18 minutes. It was efficient. It was loud. It was exactly what Steve Kerr needs from his second unit to keep the starters' minutes down. Speaking of which, the Warriors' depth was on full display. Moses Moody even managed to pass current GM Mike Dunleavy for 12th place on the franchise all-time three-point list.
Why Portland fell apart
To be fair, the Blazers were limping before they even got to San Francisco. They were missing Deni Avdija, who has been their absolute engine this year (averaging over 26 points a game). Without him, they looked lost.
Shaedon Sharpe (19 points) and Caleb Love (17 points) tried to keep it respectable, but the Warriors' defense was suffocating. By halftime, Golden State was up by 26. The game was essentially over before the third quarter began.
Breaking down the GSW highlights last night: The key moments
- The First Quarter Blitz: Golden State hit 14 of their first 22 shots. They went 8-of-15 from three in the opening period alone to lead 38-22.
- The Bench Dominance: While Portland relied on two-way players, the Warriors' bench, led by Melton and even Gui Santos (who had a season-high 4 steals), never let the lead slip below 15.
- The Flow: The ball movement was crisp. When the Warriors have 30+ assists as a team, they are almost impossible to beat.
What this means for the Western Conference
The Warriors are sitting at 22-19 now, hovering around that 8th spot. It's a crowded race. This win was a necessary "get right" game after a frustrating loss to Atlanta. It shows that even when Steph isn't hitting, the roster is deep enough to bury teams.
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The Knicks are coming to town next on Thursday, and that’s going to be a much tougher test, especially with Jalen Brunson’s status up in the air.
Actionable insights for fans and bettors
If you're following the Warriors' trajectory this season, pay attention to these three things before the next tip-off:
1. Watch the De'Anthony Melton Usage
Melton is averaging 15.3 points in January, way up from his season average. If his minutes stay around 20-25, he’s a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Keep an eye on his shot volume in the next game against New York.
2. The "Steph Slump" is a Passing Mirage
Don't panic about Curry's 7-point night. His assist-to-turnover ratio remains elite. Historically, he follows up low-scoring nights with a "human torch" performance. Expect a high-volume shooting night against the Knicks.
3. Home Court Advantage is Real
The Warriors are now 14-6 at Chase Center. They play with a different level of energy at home, particularly on the defensive end. If you're looking at spreads, they are significantly more reliable as home favorites than road underdogs this season.
Check the injury reports for Thursday's game against the Knicks, as Seth Curry is still sidelined with that thigh issue, which keeps the rotation slightly tightened for the guard positions.