The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a stunning 127-123 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco — not because they had more stars, but because they had more heart, more hustle, and more second chances. Even with Stephen Curry dropping 38 points, including nine three-pointers on 9-of-17 shooting, the Warriors couldn’t contain the Blazers’ relentless attack. Portland’s 21 offensive rebounds turned into a tidal wave of second-chance points, and the Warriors, for all their firepower, looked helpless in the paint. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a wake-up call.
Off the Bench, Off the Charts: Caleb Love’s Breakout Night
While Curry lit up the scoreboard, the real story unfolded on Portland’s bench. Caleb Love, the 22-year-old guard making his first real statement in the NBA, dropped 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including six threes, while adding seven rebounds and five assists. NBC Sports Bay Area’s postgame crew didn’t mince words: “That was the Caleb Love game.” And they weren’t exaggerating. Love didn’t just score — he attacked, he moved without the ball, and he hit big shots when the Warriors tightened their defense. His energy sparked a bench unit that outscored Golden State’s reserves 48-29.
But Love wasn’t alone. Deni Avdija turned in a career-defining performance: 26 points, 13 assists (a new personal best), six rebounds, and two threes. He orchestrated Portland’s offense like a veteran, even as the Blazers were missing key rotation players. His playmaking unlocked the offense, and his willingness to drive into traffic — and draw fouls — kept Golden State’s defense off balance.
Defensive Meltdown: Why the Warriors Couldn’t Contain the Blazer Assault
The numbers don’t lie: 21 offensive rebounds. That’s more than one every 4.5 minutes. And it wasn’t just size — it was effort. Portland’s players crashed the glass like men possessed, while the Warriors, particularly their frontcourt, looked lost. Draymond Green, the defensive anchor, was everywhere — but he was alone. Analysts noted he was forced to cover multiple roles: help defender, rebounder, shot-blocker. “I’d be pissed if I was Dre,” one commentator said. And honestly? You’d be too.
Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t sugarcoat it after the game. “We got to play bigger than we are,” he told reporters on November 22. “There were a lot of breakdowns on just box-out house. They had five out most of the time with a seven-footer in there — and you know those possessions matter.” The Warriors, who pride themselves on disciplined defense, looked disorganized, especially in the third quarter when Portland outscored them 34-22. Kerr admitted they were out-athleted. “They’re super athletic. Even missing a couple of their guys, they crash the glass. They put a lot of pressure on us.”
Who’s Missing? The Mystery of ‘Al’ and the Injury Worry
Golden State’s problems went beyond effort. A late-third-quarter update from staff member Yodar to Kerr — “Al was out” — left everyone guessing. Was it Alfonso McKinnie? Alperen Şengün? Neither is on the roster. The identity of “Al” remains unknown, and Kerr admitted, “I don’t know exactly what happened.” Meanwhile, Portland’s Scoot Henderson teammate, a center unnamed in reports but referenced in FreeDawkins highlights, left the game with ankle distress. The Blazers played through it — the Warriors couldn’t even keep their lineup intact.
What This Means for the Warriors’ Season
Golden State entered the game at 9-8, riding a wave of momentum after a six-game road trip. They were set to begin a home stand — their first real chance to reestablish dominance at Chase Center. Instead, they dropped their first home game of the season. And now, three losses in a row. That’s not a slump. That’s a crisis.
The Warriors have won four NBA titles since 2015, but this team looks fractured. Curry is carrying an impossible load. The bench is inconsistent. Defense is a mirage. President of Basketball Operations Bob Myers now faces mounting pressure. Are the Warriors still contenders? Or are they a team in transition, clinging to past glory?
Portland, meanwhile, improved to 7-9. They’re not a top seed. But they’re dangerous. They play hard. They rebound. They have depth. And now, they’ve beaten the champs on their own floor.
What’s Next?
The Warriors host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, November 23, with their home-court aura shattered. Kerr must fix the rebounding, the rotations, and the mental toughness — fast. The Blazers, on the other hand, travel to Phoenix on Tuesday. With Avdija playing like an All-Star and Love emerging as a spark plug, they could be a dangerous playoff spoiler.
One thing’s clear: the Emirates NBA Cup isn’t just a preseason tournament anymore. It’s a stage where reputations are made — and broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Portland overcome Golden State’s star power without their top players?
Portland didn’t rely on one superstar — they relied on collective effort. With Avdija orchestrating and Love exploding off the bench, the Blazers used depth, athleticism, and relentless offensive rebounding to overwhelm Golden State. Even without key contributors, they outworked the Warriors in the paint, turning 21 offensive boards into 31 second-chance points — the difference-maker in a four-point game.
Why is Stephen Curry’s 38-point performance not enough to win?
Curry’s scoring was brilliant, but basketball isn’t a solo sport. The Warriors’ defense allowed Portland to generate 21 offensive rebounds, and their bench was outplayed 48-29. Curry carried the offense, but no one else stepped up consistently. When the Blazers doubled him, the Warriors’ role players failed to punish them — a recurring theme this season.
What’s the significance of the Emirates NBA Cup in the regular season?
The Emirates NBA Cup, introduced in 2023-24, is a group-stage tournament within the regular season that rewards teams for early-season performance with playoff seeding advantages and prize money. While not as prestigious as the NBA title, it’s become a barometer for team chemistry and depth — and Friday’s result proved it can expose flaws in even the most storied franchises.
What does this loss mean for Steve Kerr’s coaching future?
Kerr is under more pressure than at any point since 2020. Three straight losses, a home defeat, and defensive collapse against a team missing key players raise serious questions. With Bob Myers overseeing roster decisions, Kerr may need to adjust rotations, prioritize defensive drills, or even consider lineup changes — or risk losing credibility with a fanbase that expects championships.
Could Caleb Love become a breakout star this season?
Absolutely. With 26 points and six threes off the bench against the Warriors, Love showed he can thrive under pressure. He’s not just a shooter — he’s a playmaker with a high basketball IQ. If he stays healthy and continues to attack defenses aggressively, he could earn a starting role by January and become Portland’s most valuable bench weapon since Mo Williams.
Why were the Warriors so poor on the defensive glass?
Golden State’s lack of size and effort was glaring. Their frontcourt — including Green and Podziemski — failed to establish position. Portland’s guards, like Avdija and Love, crashed the glass like forwards. The Warriors’ defensive scheme, which relies on rotations and help, broke down when Portland’s athletes beat them to loose balls. It wasn’t just a mistake — it was a systemic failure.