PORTLAND, Ore., April 12 (UPI) -- Wesley Matthews hit a decisive 3-pointer with 15 seconds to play Wednesday, wrapping up Portland's 118-110 victory over Golden State.
The Trail Blazers won for the first time in three games as they try to pull off a late surge that would bring them a playoff berth. Portland is 4 1/2 games out of a post-season spot with just seven games remaining.
Golden State was within four points with 30 seconds to go and the Warriors chose to play defense for the duration of the shot clock rather than foul. That strategy backfired when Matthews hit his 3-pointer to give Portland a seven-point cushion.
Jamal Crawford led the Trail Blazers with 34 points, hitting all 13 of his attempts from the foul line. J.J. Hickson added 23 points and Matthews had 18.
Golden State shot 52 percent from the field, but made 16 fewer free throws than did Portland. The Warriors got 21 points from David Lee.
