2021 preseason opener: Portland Trail Blazers lose 107-121 to Golden State

The 121-107 loss to Golden State at the Moda Center has given Portland a wake-up call for the need for better defense, better shot selection, and improved efficiency across the board. The Golden State Warriors facing Portland Trail Blazers reflected most of the season’s play with the latter opening free shots to the opponent. 

The first half was a high and low for the Blazers tying 60-60 at halftime, while the Warriors hyped it up in the second quarter making 56.5% of their field-goal attempts, including 43.8% on threes. Though Jusuf Nurkic with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, Lillard with 19 points, and CJ McCollum with 12 were crucial in the Blazer’s gameplay, Golden state’s ace Steph Curry scored 10 points in 19 minutes to lead the team. Both guards sat out the second half. Though faced a disappointing preseason start, the Blazers were better catering to 129-96 at Denver last time.