The Golden State Warriors suffered a 123-118 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, but Dalen Terry delivered one of the biggest individual performances of the game.
With several key Warriors players resting, Terry took advantage of the extended opportunity and scored 23 points in 43 minutes, making a strong case for a spot on Golden State’s roster.
Dalen Terry Shines in Extended Opportunity
Terry entered the game with plenty to prove after signing with the Warriors as a free agent. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and several other regular rotation players unavailable, the 25-year-old guard received a major workload against Portland.
He responded by producing 23 points while playing 43 minutes. His performance was particularly important as Golden State evaluates its roster options ahead of the regular season.
The Warriors used Malevy Leons, Charles Bassey, Will Richard and Brandon Williams alongside Terry in the starting lineup. The group was tasked with handling a Portland team that featured much more of its expected rotation.
Miles Kelly Leads Warriors With 24 Points
While Dalen Terry made headlines with his performance, Miles Kelly was Golden State’s leading scorer.
Kelly finished with 24 points and six made 3-pointers, continuing to make his case after signing a non-guaranteed contract with the Warriors last month.
Brandon Williams added 17 points, while Will Richard scored 15 and Charles Bassey finished with 13. The performances gave Golden State’s coaching staff several positive takeaways despite the defeat.
Warriors Rest Several Key Players
Golden State entered the game with a depleted lineup. Curry and Green were among the veterans who sat out, while Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton, Gui Santos and Georges Niang also did not play.
First-round rookie Yaxel Lendeborg was unavailable as well.
The decision came with the Warriors playing their third preseason game in four days. After starting their preseason schedule in Hawaii on Sunday and playing the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Golden State used Wednesday’s contest to evaluate its reserves and training camp players.
Damian Lillard Returns to Portland
The game also marked Damian Lillard’s first appearance back in Portland since leaving the Trail Blazers in 2023.
Lillard scored 15 points in his preseason debut for Portland after returning to the franchise in 2025. He missed the previous season because of an Achilles injury.
Portland also featured Ja Morant, who recently arrived from Memphis. Morant scored eight points and recorded five assists, while Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 23 points.
Portland’s stronger lineup ultimately helped the team secure the 123-118 victory.
What Dalen Terry’s Performance Means for Golden State
For Terry, the game was an important opportunity to demonstrate that he can contribute to the Warriors beyond the preseason.
Playing 43 minutes against Portland allowed him to show his ability to handle a significant offensive workload. With Golden State still evaluating its roster, a performance of this quality could strengthen Terry’s case.
Miles Kelly’s 24-point outing also adds another layer to the Warriors’ roster competition. Both players have an opportunity to earn a bigger role as Golden State approaches the regular season.
The Warriors have three preseason games remaining, including a Saturday matchup against Sacramento at Chase Center. Golden State will then begin the regular season on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
For now, Dalen Terry and Miles Kelly have given the Warriors plenty to consider after an otherwise disappointing preseason loss in Portland.
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