Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 37 points in just three quarters as the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers 122-95 at Paycom Center on Sunday.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 13 of 18 from the field and made all nine free throws, adding eight rebounds and six assists to lead the Thunder to their ninth straight victory.
Ajay Mitchell contributed a perfect 8-for-8 performance for 20 points, while Evan Mobley paced Portland with 21 points in the losing effort.
The Thunder set the tone early, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 17 points in the first quarter to build a 39-18 lead, effectively taking control before halftime.
Portland was missing guards Shaedon Sharpe and Jrue Holiday due to calf strains, limiting their perimeter scoring and defensive options against Oklahoma City’s balanced attack.
Ajay Mitchell’s driving layup in the second quarter drew a foul from Rayan Rupert, and Oklahoma City extended its lead to 49-25 after Mitchell made a floater and free throw.
Gilgeous-Alexander added another 11 points before halftime, giving the Thunder a 67-46 cushion and ending the first half with a dominant display.
Deni Avdija, who scored 26 points in the previous matchup, struggled for Portland, finishing with 11 points on 4-for-16 shooting, while Jerami Grant led the Blazers’ starters.
Oklahoma City improves to an NBA-best 17-1, continuing its streak of dominance since last season, while Portland falls to 7-10.
The teams meet again next Sunday in Portland, with the Thunder hosting Minnesota on Wednesday and the Trail Blazers visiting Milwaukee on Monday.
