The Golden State Warriors delivered a resounding statement at Chase Center on January 13, 2026, routing the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 119-97 in a game that set an NBA record for three-point contributors and showcased the Warriors’ depth and playmaking prowess. It was a night where storylines collided: the Warriors looking to rebound after a tough loss to Atlanta, the Blazers limping in after a slew of injuries, and both teams fighting for position in a crowded Western Conference race.
From the opening tip, Golden State looked like a team on a mission. The Warriors, who had dropped their previous game to the Atlanta Hawks and saw a three-game home winning streak snapped, wasted no time in asserting control. They blitzed the Blazers early, connecting on 14 of their first 22 shots and draining eight of 15 from deep to build a commanding 38-22 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the Warriors had stretched their advantage to a season-best 26 points, effectively putting the game out of reach before the second half even began.
Jimmy Butler, acquired in the offseason to add experience and grit to the Warriors’ lineup, led the charge with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Butler’s energy was contagious, and his ability to fill up the stat sheet gave Golden State a steadying presence on both ends of the floor. “We knew we had to come out strong tonight, especially after that loss to Atlanta,” Butler said postgame, according to AP NBA. “Everybody contributed. That’s what winning teams do.”
Stephen Curry, the heartbeat of the Warriors, may have struggled with his shot—finishing with just seven points on 2-for-9 shooting—but he orchestrated the offense masterfully. Curry dished out 11 assists, marking his second game of the season with double-digit dimes and the 148th such performance of his illustrious career. His vision and unselfishness set the tone, as Golden State moved the ball crisply and found open shooters all night long.
Perhaps the most remarkable stat of the evening was the NBA record 21 different players from both teams making at least one three-pointer. It was a testament to the modern game’s emphasis on spacing and shooting, and it kept the crowd buzzing throughout. The Warriors’ Moses Moody etched his name in franchise history, too—his first-quarter three-pointer at the 5:54 mark moved him past current general manager Mike Dunleavy for 12th place on the team’s all-time three-point list with 364 makes.
De’Anthony Melton provided a huge spark off the bench for Golden State, pouring in a season-best 23 points for his fifth double-figure outing in the last six games and his second with at least 20. Melton’s energy and shot-making helped the Warriors keep their foot on the gas, even as the game’s outcome became increasingly clear. “De’Anthony’s been fantastic,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s given us a real lift with his scoring and defense.”
Gui Santos also made his mark defensively, recording a career-high four steals and helping to disrupt Portland’s rhythm. The Warriors’ active hands and relentless pressure forced the Trail Blazers into tough shots and turnovers, making life difficult for a team already missing several key contributors.
For Portland, it was a night to forget. The Blazers entered the contest without their leading scorer and breakout star Deni Avdija, who was sidelined for the first time this season due to lower back soreness. Avdija’s absence was a massive blow—he’s averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, emerging as the engine behind Portland’s surprising competitiveness this year. Without him, the Blazers were forced to start a pair of two-way players and leaned heavily on their young core.
Still, there were bright spots for Portland. Shaedon Sharpe led the way with 19 points, showing flashes of the explosiveness that made him a high draft pick. Caleb Love added 17 points and seven assists, continuing a strong stretch in which he’s averaged 16.7 points and shot 42.5% from three over his last ten games. But the Blazers’ offense sputtered without Avdija’s playmaking, and the defense struggled to contain Golden State’s balanced attack.
The loss marked Portland’s second straight defeat, coming on the heels of a setback to the New York Knicks that snapped a season-long five-game winning streak. The Blazers had won all three previous meetings with Golden State this season and were seeking their first season sweep of the Warriors since 2002-03, but the injury bug proved too much to overcome this time around. Adding to their woes, the Blazers were also without Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Matisse Thybulle (right knee tendinopathy), Kris Murray (lumbar strain), Blake Wesley (right foot fracture), and franchise legend Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon management), who is expected to miss the entire season.
Jerami Grant, Portland’s second-leading scorer at 20.0 points per game, was listed as doubtful with left Achilles tendonitis and did not play. The Blazers’ bench was stretched thin, and the lack of veteran leadership was evident as Golden State seized control early and never looked back.
The Warriors, meanwhile, were nearly at full strength, with only Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation) sidelined. Golden State has now won nine of its last 13 games and improved to 14-6 at Chase Center this season, solidifying their grip on eighth place in the Western Conference—two games ahead of the ninth-place Blazers. With the victory, the Warriors snapped Portland’s hopes for a season sweep and sent a message that they remain a force to be reckoned with, especially when healthy.
Looking ahead, both teams have little time to rest. The Trail Blazers return home to host the Atlanta Hawks on January 15, hoping to regroup and get healthier as the season grinds on. The Warriors, riding high after their bounce-back win, will look to keep the momentum going when they welcome the New York Knicks to Chase Center the same night. Given the parity in the West and the playoff race heating up, every game takes on added significance.
It was a night of milestones, records, and resilience—a showcase of why the NBA remains one of the most exciting leagues in sports. The Warriors’ blend of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and unselfish play proved too much for a depleted Blazers squad, but Portland’s young guns showed they’re not afraid of the spotlight. With stars set to return and new faces stepping up, both teams will be worth watching as the season unfolds.
As the final buzzer sounded at Chase Center, the Warriors walked off the court with renewed confidence and a reminder to the rest of the league: underestimate them at your own risk.
