Warriors edge closer to Dallas

OAKLAND -- This wasn't a must-win game. This was a don't-come-home-without-a-victory game. This was one of those now-is-the-worst-time-ever-to-lose type of games.

And the Warriors answered the bell. They beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 111-95, at Oracle Arena, avoiding their first losing streak since early January. The Warriors did snap a two-game home losing streak, remaining a half-game ahead of Denver for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. The Warriors are now a half-game behind No. 7 Dallas.

The Warriors could hardly afford to lose at home to the Blazers, who played without All-Star guard Brandon Roy. Denver's victory over visiting Dallas was already in the bag by the time the Warriors tipped off in front of a national audience on TNT.

So a loss would've left Golden State a half-game behind the Nuggets for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. What's more, the Warriors (44-27) travel to Denver on Saturday before hosting Dallas on Sunday. After that is one last daunting road trip: at San Antonio, Dallas, Memphis and New Orleans. The contests against the Spurs and Mavericks are back-to-back and cap a four-games-in-five-nights stretch.

With just 11 games remaining, this next block of games figure to go a long way to deciding the Warriors' playoff fate. But first, the Warriors had to take care of the Blazers.

Portland didn't make it easy. The Warriors made just 10 of their first 25 attempts (40 percent) and trailed 30-22 after one quarter.

Portland led 51-50 at halftime.

The Warriors pulled away with a monstrous third-quarter, doubling up Portland, 40-20, to take a 91-72 lead into the final period. The Warriors managed one of their most dominant quarters of the year while attempting only 13 shots, making nine. The Warriors did most of their damage from the free throw line, where they made 18 of 20, six by guard Monta Ellis. Golden State held Portland to 31.8 percent (7-for-22) shooting in the quarter and scored 10 points off the Blazers' five turnovers.

Jackson scored 14 points in the third quarter, capping the surge by netting a 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left in the game.

For the first time in a while, the Warriors got the benefit of some real garbage time. Jackson played 42 minutes, totaling 24 points and five rebounds, and Ellis and 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 40 minutes. Still, Davis got significant rest. Azubuike played 32 minutes.

Forward Matt Barnes logged 20 minutes. Rookie forward Brandan Wright got to break a sweat. The fourth quarter entertainment was predominantly centered on rookie guard Marco Belinelli. He was introduced to a roar and brought the fans to their feet nearly every time he touched the ball. He obliged, nailing a pull-up 3-pointer with 1:59 left in the game.

Better enjoy it now. Because with the way the schedule looks, and what's at stake, Warriors fans may not see Belinelli in action for a long time.