The Portland Trail Blazers held off Golden State for a 127-123 road win Friday night to boost their way up to second place in their pool standings for the NBA In-Season tournament.
The teams traded the lead three times early in the fourth quarter before Caleb Love sank a 3-pointer to give the Blazers some breathing room. The Warriors cut the margin to a single point several times down the stretch, but the Blazers had the answer each time. Back-to-back deep balls from Love put Portland up 125-120 with 0:29 to play.
“He’s a scorer, and he was able to knock down shots,” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said. “But I tell him, if you are going to shoot over there, you need to guard and play defense too.”
Love shared the team lead with Deni Avdija — each pouring in 26 points.
Donovan Clingan finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Portland improved to 2-1 in West Pool C, tied at the top with the Denver Nuggets for the In-Season tournament.
Portland (7-9) is back in action at Oklahoma City (16-1) at 4 p.m. Sunday.