In Portland, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shows the Thunder light

After 20 matches, OKC he only lost in Portland, which gave this new confrontation a very special flavor. After he had blown Blazers at home last week (122-95), the Thunder returned to Oregon, this time to win at the end of a serious match that ultimately went to the side of the defending champion, led by SGA (26 points, 5 assists) as cool as a blade in “money time”. This is his 93rd game with 20 points or more, the 2nd best streak in history!

OKC struck first, using Isaiah Joe’s 3/3 three-pointer to take the lead (14-23). The hosts quickly closed the gap, notably thanks to a 3-pointer by Jeramie Grant and then an 11-2 run largely fueled by the Murray-Sharp pairing to tie the game at 35-35 midway through the second quarter. Despite the Thunder’s pressure, Portland managed to take the lead at the break, especially thanks to a good sequence by Jerami Grant, the author of the counter on Jaylen Brown, then two baskets, including a three-pointer, after a blind pass by Danny Avdia to end the first half (55-54).

After a balanced third quarter, this time marked by three 3-pointers from Toumani Kamara (87-85), OKC was able to regain control by starting the final act with an 8-0 run that was finished by Ajay Mitchell. The latter stood out again with two baskets, including a three-pointer, then an assist for Kenrich Williams’ layup to raise OKC to +9 at the beginning of “money-time” (93-102).

Sidi Sissoko and Jerami Grant’s arrows only delayed the deadline as, on the contrary, SGA in “finisher” mode forced a decision. With clinical precision – as in his laser pass to Chet Holmgren (19 points) – the Thunder leader made the right choices, mostly in scoring, with four uppercut baskets on the Blazers, then two free throws to finish the job. OKC wins 123 to 115.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Once, not twice. We repeat after every game, Portland is the only NBA team to beat OKC so far! The last two matchups have allowed the Thunder to shut down the offense though, with a +27 win last week at the Paicom Center and a win last night at the Moda Center. The next duel between the two teams in a month in Oklahoma!

Final of SGA. The machine! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have spent a lot of time on the bench in the fourth quarter since the start of the season, but he has lost none of his ability as a “clutch player,” as he recalled yesterday by nearly killing the game himself. Portland wasn’t far behind, but was never able to trouble the reigning champions, who relied on their reigning MVP to keep scoring, showing off his magnificent mid-range range, until the Blazers folded.

Insatiable Danny Avdija. Fourth career triple-double for Danny Avdia who once again struggled to keep his team alive. As is often the case, it’s a headache for the opposition, as the Blazers’ leader is capable of finishing very close to the circle, but also creates gaps for his teammates. 31 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the end despite another loss in the finish.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.