Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, adding another impressive performance to his stellar season. The Thunder, now leading the NBA with a 37-8 record, maintained their dominance with a strong showing on both ends of the floor.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 35 points, shooting 12-of-25 from the field and hitting 9-of-9 free throws. His scoring output, combined with crucial contributions from Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein, allowed Oklahoma City to bounce back from Thursday’s loss to Dallas.
Williams tallied 24 points and eight assists, including a pivotal banked 3-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped the Thunder fend off a late surge by Portland. Hartenstein added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, playing a critical role in Oklahoma City’s interior dominance.
Portland’s Deni Avdija kept the game competitive with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Scoot Henderson added 25 points off the bench, and Toumani Camara scored 24 while hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. However, the Trail Blazers fell short, dropping to 17-29 for the season.
The game was close in the first quarter, with both teams tied at 27. Oklahoma City took control in the second quarter, outscoring Portland 39-26 to build a 66-53 halftime lead. Although the Trail Blazers trimmed the deficit to five points early in the fourth quarter, the Thunder responded with clutch plays to secure the win.
Oklahoma City’s dominance in the paint was a key factor in the victory. The Thunder outscored Portland 52-22 in points in the paint and held a 28-13 advantage in second-chance points. The team also showcased their defensive prowess, forcing 15 turnovers and holding Portland to 40.7% shooting from the field.
Alex Caruso’s 3-pointer in the final minutes extended the Thunder’s lead to 15 points, sealing the outcome. Isaiah Joe contributed 16 points off the bench, further highlighting the team’s depth and versatility.
Despite the loss, Portland saw promising performances from its younger players, including Henderson and Camara. The Trail Blazers’ ability to make 18 3-pointers at a 45% clip kept them within striking distance for much of the contest.
The Thunder’s balanced attack and ability to execute in critical moments solidified their place atop the league standings. With a 17-5 record on the road, Oklahoma City continues to prove why they are among the league’s elite teams this season.
