It wasn't just a win. It was a statement. If you caught the warriors score last night, you saw a 119-97 dismantling of the Portland Trail Blazers that felt like a return to form for a Golden State team that has been looking for its identity lately.
They needed this one. Badly. Coming off a frustrating 124-111 loss to the Hawks just a couple of nights prior, the vibe around Chase Center was getting a little tense. But basketball is a game of adjustments, and Steve Kerr clearly found the right knobs to turn before Tuesday night’s tip-off.
Breaking Down the Warriors Score Last Night
The final margin of 22 points actually makes the game look closer than it was for most of the evening. Golden State came out of the gate absolutely scorching, hitting 14 of their first 22 shots. By the time the first-quarter buzzer rang, they had built a 38-22 lead.
That early cushion allowed the Warriors to dictate the tempo. They weren't reacting to Portland; they were making the Blazers react to them. It’s a subtle difference, but it’s everything in the NBA. When you're making 8 of your first 15 three-pointers like they did, the floor opens up in ways that make professional defenders look like they're playing in slow motion.
The Jimmy Butler Factor
Jimmy Butler led the scoring with 16 points. That’s not a "superstar" stat line on paper, but it was his efficiency and the timing of his buckets that killed Portland’s momentum every time they tried to string together a run. He added six rebounds and five assists, basically playing the role of the ultimate "glue guy" who also happens to be a primary scoring threat.
Steph’s Passing Clinic
Then there’s Stephen Curry. He only scored seven points—a number that usually spells disaster for Golden State. He went 2-for-9 from the field. Honestly, if you told a Warriors fan before the game that Steph would only have seven points, they’d assume a blowout loss. Instead, he finished with 11 assists, carving up the Blazers' defense with cross-court skips and pocket passes that led to wide-open layups for De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody.
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This was Curry's 148th career game with double-digit assists. It’s a reminder that even when his shot isn't falling, his gravity and vision are the engine that makes this whole system work.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Win
The casual take is that the Warriors just beat a short-handed team. Portland was missing Deni Avdija, who averages over 26 points a game. Sure, that matters. But the narrative that the Warriors "should" have won obscures how well they actually played.
One of the most wild stats from the warriors score last night is the NBA-record 21 different players who made at least one 3-pointer. Think about that for a second. That is pure depth. It’s not just the starters; it’s the end-of-the-bench guys coming in during garbage time and still executing the system.
Bench Spark: De'Anthony Melton
Melton was the quiet MVP of the night. He dropped 23 points off the bench, marking his fifth double-figure game in the last six outings. He’s becoming that reliable secondary creator the Warriors have lacked since the departure of some of their older veterans.
Historical Context: Moses Moody’s Rise
Moses Moody also had a milestone moment. He hit a three-pointer at the 5:54 mark of the first quarter that moved him past Mike Dunleavy for 12th place in franchise history for made threes. It’s easy to forget Moody is still so young because he’s been in the rotation for what feels like forever, but he’s carving out a legacy as one of the most consistent shooters in Golden State history.
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The Defensive Turnaround
You can't talk about the score without talking about the other side of the ball. The Warriors held Portland to just 97 points. In today's NBA, that's like holding a team to 80 points in the 90s.
They forced 22 turnovers.
Twenty-two.
That led to 29 points off turnovers. When the Warriors can get stops and run in transition, they are nearly impossible to beat. Gui Santos was a menace on the perimeter, recording a career-high four steals. It’s those "hustle" stats that don't always make the highlight reels but show up in the win-loss column.
Why This Win Changes the Season Trajectory
Before last night, the Warriors were 21-19. They were hovering around that dangerous "play-in" territory. This win pushes them to 22-19 and, more importantly, gives them a season-best 26-point halftime lead to build some confidence.
They are entering a brutal stretch of the schedule. They host the New York Knicks tonight (January 15th), followed by a run of games against the Heat, Raptors, and Mavericks. If they had dropped this game to a depleted Blazers team, the pressure going into the Knicks game would have been suffocating. Instead, they can play loose.
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Looking Ahead to the Knicks
The Knicks are sitting at 25-14 and coming off a tough loss to the Kings where Jalen Brunson suffered an ankle injury. The timing for the Warriors couldn't be better. They have momentum, they are at home, and their defense is finally communicating.
Actionable Insights for Warriors Fans
If you're tracking this team, keep an eye on these specific metrics over the next three games:
- Turnover Margin: When the Warriors keep their own turnovers under 14, they win at a much higher rate. Last night they had 13.
- Melton’s Minutes: If he continues to get 25+ minutes, it’s a sign Kerr trusts the second unit to maintain leads.
- Curry’s Shot Selection: Expect a big scoring bounce-back tonight. Steph rarely has two bad shooting nights in a row.
The warriors score last night was 119-97, but the underlying data suggests this team might finally be turning the corner toward a serious playoff push. They aren't just relying on "Splash" anymore; they're winning with depth, defense, and a surprisingly balanced attack.
The road ahead is tough, starting with the Knicks tonight at Chase Center. But for one night, the Warriors looked like the championship-caliber team fans have been waiting to see all season.