Campus Maximus » rom Jason Thompson in the loss at Sacramen

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The taxing preseason, which included two games in China, is finally over. Whether the Golden State Warriors are ready to live up to lofty expectations remains unclear. Damian Lillard scored 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points and 12 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied to beat the Warriors 90-74 Thursday night in the preseason finale for both teams. "There are certain teams with different mentalities and agendas going into the preseason. Some teams, we were there once, its important to win ball games," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "For some teams its important to stay healthy. Some teams you just want to establish a rhythm. I think the two latter ones were us. The danger is you cant believe you can turn it on when you want to." The Warriors will carry that message into the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Golden State led by 11 early in the third quarter before the Blazers scored 22 straight points. The Warriors missed 17 shots in a row and were held scoreless for more than 8 minutes during Portlands run. Stephen Curry had 17 points and six assists, and Klay Thompson scored 16 points for the Warriors, who blew a double-digit lead for the second straight game. Golden State lost 91-90 at Sacramento on Wednesday night after leading by 17 points in the third quarter. "Thats going to be our Achilles heel. When were not making shots, how do we defend? Whats our personality going to be?" said new addition Andre Iguodala, who had nine points, four rebounds and two assists. The Warriors ended the preseason 3-4, including wins against the Lakers in Beijing and Shanghai. Portland won its final five games to finish the preseason 5-2. "Just as we ignored the predictions last year that we werent going to make the playoffs," forward David Lee said, "were not going to let the positive outlook change the way we work." Jackson said he feels satisfied with the way the preseason ended because the Warriors emerged "relatively healthy." The third-year coach still never really got the chance to experiment with lineups in the exhibitions like he had hoped. Small forward Harrison Barnes missed the last four games with left foot inflammation. His status for the regular-season opener is murky. Lee also sat out Thursday after undergoing dental work on his two front teeth, which were loosed by an inadvertent elbow from Jason Thompson in the loss at Sacramento. Lee is not expected to miss any time. Adding to the concerns, Nemanja Nedovic -- drafted 30th overall out of Serbia -- landed hard on his left wrist and lower back after Mo Williams fouled him on a layup attempt in the fourth quarter. Officials called a flagrant foul but downgraded it to a common foul after a video review. The Warriors have less than a week to rest up and regroup -- not to mention sort out the rotation. With the addition of Iguodala, the question remains: Who will come off the bench? All five starters -- Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Lee and Andrew Bogut -- are back from a team that won 47 games last season before beating the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs and losing to the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in six games. Either Barnes or Thompson will come off the bench. Jackson is still trying to find the right combination, especially after wasting leads in consecutive losses, albeit in the preseason. "It is somewhat of a concern, but not overly concerned," Jackson said. "I think that second unit, probably in a normal game, someone will be in there as a calming effect -- not just a scorer, but a guy that could get us good looks. With that being said, leaving a starter in the game to take some of the pressure off would be ideal." Thompson started his third straight game in the preseason finale, which is usually more of a showcase for unproven players than the regulars, though neither coach treated it that way. Second-year Blazers coach Terry Stotts mixed up his backcourt rotation throughout, but leaned on Lillard when it mattered most. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and Oakland native started the Blazers big run with a 3-pointer. He made another from beyond the arc to put Portland up 76-59 early in the fourth. Wesley Matthews (irregular heartbeat), C.J. McCollum (fractured left foot) and former California guard Allen Crabbe (stomach flu) all sat out for the Blazers. Nike React On Sale . Lauzon rushed for 42 yards on 15 carries for the Vert et Or (2-3) while quarterback Jeremi Roch completed 19-of-32 passes for 251 yards and one interception. Alexandre Aube scored the other touchdown for Sherbrooke. Nike React Discount .ca/CurlingSkins - with the Top 16 curlers earning a ticket to Banff, Alta. to compete in the TRAVELERS ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME Presented by Pintys, running Jan. http://www.nikereactcheap.com/. In his first game with Boston University, the 17-year-old Eichel picked up five assists as his Boston University Terriers thumped St. Wholesale Nike React . Louis Cardinals continued their offensive tear with a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a four-game series. Nike React Clearance .C. - The Panthers will be without starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei for Saturday nights NFC divisional playoff game against Seattle after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a broken bone in his foot.WHAKATANE, New Zealand -- Canadas womens rugby team finished its three-test tour of New Zealand with a 33-21 loss to the Black Ferns on Saturday. After defeating Australia last Thursday, Canada completed their series with two straight losses to the defending World Cup champions. The match was Canadas final tune-up before this summers Womens Rugby World Cup in France. Canada opens pool play against Spain on Aug. 1. New Zealand jumped out to an early 26-0 lead before fullback Elissa Alarie intercepted a pass at the Canadian 22-metre line and went the length of the pitch for Canadas first points off the match.dddddddddddd The conversion from Magali Harvey made it a 26-7 score at the half. New Zealand opened the second half with a try just three minutes in, reclaiming the 26-point lead. Harvey, who also plays on Canadas sevens team, then showed off her speed and footwork beating two defenders down the sideline to bring Canada within 19 points. With head coach Francois Ratier making six second-half substitutions, Canada was able to put some charge forward. Hilary Leith touched down for her first try of the tour and Harveys third conversion of the match made it a 33-21 game. ' ' '