The Golden State Warriors controlled the momentum with 3:42 left in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, up by eight points until a skirmish broke out between the teams.
Warriors-Blazers fight sparks LaMarcus Aldridge
The Blazers’ forward scored 17 points and collected 10 rebounds after the altercation.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
That's when a light bulb went off in LaMarcus Aldridge's head. The 6'11 forward scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and collected 10 rebounds in those final 15 minutes. The Warriors shot just 27.3 percent in that span, turned the ball over eight times, and committed 13 personal fouls.
Golden State coach Mark Jackson was not happy with how his team played after the skirmish, according to Carl Steward of the San Jose Mercury News:
“LaMarcus Aldridge got it going, and they hurt us. And then we were not disciplined on the offensive end. We did not respond once the altercation took place.”
The Blazers, Aldridge included, did respond. They hit 17-of-20 free throws and outscored Golden State 42-22 after the conflict.
Portland coach Terry Stotts was happy with how his team countered out of the scrum, according to Mike Tokito of Oregon Live:
“Obviously, the altercation kind of changed the complexion of the game. I like the way we responded, I liked the way we stood up for each other, and I like the way we competed in the second half.”
The altercation ensued when Andrew Bogut and Joel Freeland got tangled up. Mo Williams came to Freeland's defense, and then nearly every player on the floor was coiled into the mess.
After a long video review, referees bestowed six technicals upon the teams, with Williams and Draymond Green ejected for their involvement. Wes Matthews -- who had picked up a technical earlier -- was ejected for his second one. Bogut, Freeland and Aldridged were also assessed technicals.
Saturday night’s road win was Portland’s 10th overall victory in a row. Golden State, who was without Andre Iguodala, lost its third straight game for the first time this season.
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