------ Draymond Green records a triple-double and the Warriors outscore the Trail Blazers 29-13 in the third quarter as they take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals with a 110-99 win Saturday night at Moda Center.
The third quarter was once again a nightmare for the Portland Trail Blazers.
After getting outscored 39-24 in the third quarter in game two on Thursday night, Saturday night was a repeat performance with the Warriors storming back in game three with a 29-13 advantage in third.
“Our offense, our offense fell apart," Portland Coach Terry Stotts said. "We missed some shots. Took some tough shots. Didn’t move the ball as well. They were scoring so we were taking the ball out of the net and didn’t get anything in transition. I said at the beginning of the series, to beat Golden State you’ve got to be able to score. Scoring 33 in the second half is not going to do it.”
Draymond Green continued his sensational play recording a triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. He set the tone in third quarter with four points, six rebounds, and six assists playing great defense and setting up Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in their spots to get the offense going.
“I don’t even know what to say about Draymond,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said of the forward. “He was like a wrecking ball out there, destroying everything in his path.”
Green accomplished his triple-double in just three-quarters.
“He was the difference-maker,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. “He has such an impact on the game, on both ends, with his passing, play-making, he makes his teammates better, and defensively he’s all over the place.”
Damian Lillard's struggles from the floor continued in game three as he scored just 19 points on 5-of-18 shooting. He also committed five turnovers.
The news came after the game, Lillard has separated ribs. The injury was aggravated in game 2 when Kevon Looney fell on top of him when he was scrambling for a loose ball.
Meyers Leonard got the start at center tonight and provided some much needed offense. He scored 13 of 16 points in the first half on 3-of-7 shooting from three-point range.
“He had a terrific first half like the rest of the team,” Stotts said. “I liked his spacing and the way he played in Game 2 in Golden State. He can space the floor, and he and Dame, and he and CJ, have a good two-man game.”
Now the Blazers will regroup and get ready for Monday's game four knowing that a loss will end their incredible run and their season.
“We’re going to give it our best effort Monday. That’s all that matters,” Stotts said. “Having the pride and professionalism to get a home win and go from there. I don’t know if it’s as much about strategy as it is rallying around and giving the best effort possible.”
Up Next- Game four between the Warriors and Blazers will be Monday night at Moda Center. Scheduled tip off time is 6:00 PM.
Chad's Take- The Warriors are superior. This series highlights what Portland must do moving forward----UPGRADE THEIR WINGS!