Thunder Extend the Winning Streak to 12 with Win Over the Blazers
The air in Portland’s Moda Center was thick with anticipation. This wasn’t just another game on the schedule; it was a shot at redemption. The OKC Thunder, a juggernaut rolling through the league with an almost flawless 19-1 record, had one single blemish on their season: a loss to these very same Portland Trail Blazers back on November 5th. On Sunday night, the Thunder didn’t just want a win; they craved it. They needed to prove that the early-season stumble was a fluke, and they did exactly that, grinding out a hard-fought 123-115 victory to extend their winning streak to a staggering twelve games.
It was a battle from the opening tip. The first half felt like a heavyweight boxing match, with both teams trading haymakers. Offense was the name of the game, with both squads shooting the lights out, hitting over 40% from beyond the arc and 50% from the field in a blistering second quarter. Just when it looked like the Thunder might pull away, Jerami Grant, a familiar thorn in their side, drilled a three-pointer with just over nine seconds left, snatching a razor-thin 55-54 lead for Portland heading into the locker room. The home crowd roared, smelling an upset.
Thunder Weather the Storm
The third quarter brought a collective gasp from the Thunder faithful. With five minutes left, their defensive anchor and rising star, Chet Holmgren, was whistled for his fourth foul. A challenge from the OKC bench proved fruitless, and Holmgren, the lanky shot-blocking phenom, was forced to the sidelines. Portland seized the moment, clawing back and keeping the game uncomfortably close. The pressure was mounting.
But this Thunder team is built differently. They don’t just rely on one or two stars; they win with grit and depth. With Holmgren watching from the bench, the rest of the squad dug deep. When Chet finally returned with eight minutes left in the game, the lead was a precarious two points. It was gut-check time.
A Clutch Finish in Portland
This is where champions are forged. With the game on the line, the Thunder’s system and poise took over. It started with the unsung heroes. A savvy layup from Kenrich Williams pushed the lead to nine. A minute later, he struck again, this time from downtown, making it 105-96. The momentum was shifting.
Of course, when the lights are brightest, you look to your superstar. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his signature silky-smooth game, rose for a classic fadeaway jumper, pushing the lead to 107-100 with just over four minutes to play. The Blazers, to their credit, refused to die, mounting one last charge to get within two points. But the Thunder’s defense stiffened, their execution sharpened, and they closed out the game with the calm precision that has become their trademark.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads a Balanced Attack
While SGA’s 26 points led the way, this was a true team victory. Six players scored in double figures, a testament to the team’s balanced offensive philosophy. Chet Holmgren, despite his foul trouble, was a force, finishing with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Jalen Williams added 16 points and 8 boards, making crucial plays on both ends of the floor. As Williams himself noted, it’s about the system: “It’s not even that it’s points. It’s system fundamentals that get other guys points…”
For Portland, Deni Avdija was nothing short of spectacular, posting a monster triple-double with 31 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. But his Herculean effort wasn’t enough to stop the Thunder freight train. With this win, Oklahoma City not only avenged their only loss but also sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA: they are the real deal, and they’re just getting started.
