Portland Trail Blazers vs Okc Thunder Match Player Stats

Portland Trail Blazers vs Okc Thunder Match Player Stats

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In a tightly contested game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 128-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, which included 37 points, helped the Thunder fend off a determined late-game surge by the Blazers.

The win marked another significant step in Oklahoma City’s strong season, propelling them to a tie for the top spot in the Western Conference standings alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Okc Thunder Match Player Stats LineScores

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
OKC32333231128
POR27303033120
TeamPITPFB PTSBIG LDBPTSTREBTOVTTOVPOT
OKC62131614618025
POR5218030317019
Lead Changes0
Times Tied0

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominant Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to showcase why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league with another impressive scoring outburst. His 37-point performance was crucial in ensuring that the Thunder maintained control of the game, especially during critical moments in the fourth quarter when the Blazers threatened to come back.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who had his streak of eight consecutive 30-point games snapped just a few days earlier, was determined to make his mark. His offensive production was complemented by Jalen Williams, who contributed 31 points, and Chet Holmgren, who added 21 points and a season-high 14 rebounds.

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Thunder’s Early Control and Portland’s Resilient Fightback

The Thunder started the game strong, building a substantial 51-35 lead in the first half. Jalen Williams was instrumental during this stretch, scoring with ease and helping Oklahoma City establish control early on. Despite the Thunder’s dominance, the Blazers managed to cut the lead to 65-57 by halftime, showcasing their resilience despite missing key players due to injuries.

The second quarter was not without its drama, as Thunder center Bismack Biyombo collapsed on the bench during a timeout. The incident initially caused concern, but it was later confirmed that Biyombo was not seriously injured and had merely fainted. He was seen laughing and joking in the locker room during halftime but did not return to the game.

Portland Trail Blazers Fourth Quarter Surge

In the third quarter, the Blazers, led by Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, began to mount a comeback. Simons, who finished with 29 points, hit a crucial 3-pointer, followed by a floater from Grant that narrowed the Thunder’s lead to 88-86 late in the quarter. However, Oklahoma City responded with a decisive 10-0 run to close the quarter, giving them a 97-87 advantage heading into the final period.

The Blazers continued to fight in the fourth quarter, with Matisse Thybulle‘s 3-pointer bringing them within two points at 112-110 with just over four minutes left. But the Thunder, undeterred by Portland’s push, sealed the game with a clutch 3-pointer from Jalen Williams that extended their lead to 116-110. This crucial shot effectively ended the Blazers’ hopes of completing their comeback.

Key Contributions and Return of Injured Players

Despite the loss, the Blazers showed signs of life with the return of Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle, who both missed the previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to injuries. Grant, who has been a key player for Portland, and Thybulle, known for his defensive prowess, provided a much-needed boost to a team that has been plagued by injuries all season.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised his team’s effort, particularly in how they’ve been competing despite the adversity they’ve faced. “I just thought we came out and we played this team really well, for the second time. No matter who plays, we play the right way. We’re going to play right. And that’s what I want to happen. Just play right, play together. And we just rely on each other the whole time,” Billups said.

Oklahoma City’s Strong Season Continues

The Thunder’s victory in Portland marked the end of a successful four-game road trip. This win is a testament to the team’s resilience and depth, especially after a tough 116-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the week, which was only their second loss in nine games. With this victory, the Thunder improved their record to 43-19, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault commended the Blazers for their fight, acknowledging that Portland has one of the top defenses in the league over the last 10 games. “Give them a lot of credit, I thought they really fought tonight – which they’ve been doing lately, they’ve got the fifth-best defense in the league in the last 10 games and their competitiveness and physicality definitely showed tonight. It was a good test for us,” Daigneault said.

Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats and Box Score

PLAYERMINREBASTSTLBLKTOPFPTS
Jalen WilliamsF32:26:0043312331
Luguentz DortF29:43:001110146
Chet HolmgrenC33:12:00145011121
Josh GiddeyG32:13:0067105319
Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderG35:57:0035114237
Gordon Hayward18:0320202010
Kenrich Williams8:463000210
Isaiah Joe16:001211020
Cason Wallace16:552001102
Aaron Wiggins16:453010022
Bismack BiyomboDNP – Coach’s Decision
Mike MuscalaDNP – Coach’s Decision
Olivier SarrDNP – Coach’s Decision
Lindy Waters IIIDNP – Coach’s Decision
TOTALS39231051818128

Portland Trail Blazers Match Player Stats and Box Score

PLAYERMINREBASTSTLBLKTOPF PTS
Kris MurrayF23:0631101612
Jerami GrantF40:19:0024216320
Duop ReathC30:37:0051101316
Dalano BantonG29:19:0055011213
Anfernee SimonsG39:43:0035104229
Matisse Thybulle25:56:0063301216
Ashton Hagans14:001400312
Jabari Walker18:426210069
Rayan Rupert18:181210033
Moses BrownDNP – Coach’s Decision
Toumani CamaraDND – Injury/Illness
Justin MinayaDNP – Coach’s Decision
TOTALS32271021728120

Looking Forward

For the Thunder, the focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum as they continue their push towards the playoffs. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and strong contributions from players like Williams and Holmgren, Oklahoma City looks poised to be a formidable contender in the postseason.

On the other hand, the Trail Blazers, who have struggled with injuries and consistency throughout the season, will aim to regroup and finish the season on a positive note. The potential return of Scoot Henderson, who is recovering from a left foot sprain, could provide a significant boost to a team in need of some good fortune.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to solidify their identities and achieve their respective goals. For the Thunder, that means continuing to climb the standings, while for the Blazers, it’s about building for the future and finding positives in a challenging season.

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