Oklahoma City Thunder Extend Winning Streak to 12 with Victory Over Portland Trail Blazers

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their stellar season by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 on Sunday night, extending their winning streak to 12 games. Leading the charge, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 26 points, while Chet Holmgren added 19 points and secured nine rebounds.

This victory marks the Thunder’s 20th win in 21 outings this season, with their sole defeat coming against Portland earlier in November after relinquishing a 22-point lead in a narrow 121-119 loss. Oklahoma City is off to the best start in the NBA since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors began 24-0 with 21 consecutive wins.

Jaylen Williams, in his second game back following two wrist surgeries, posted 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while reserves Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe added 17 and 15 points respectively. Starter Luguentz Dort contributed 10 points as the Thunder maintained dominance, having won 18 of their last 19 encounters against the Trail Blazers.

For Portland, Deni Avdija delivered a standout performance with 31 points, a season-high 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Toumani Camara scored 19 points with eight boards, Jerami Grant added 18 points, Kris Murray contributed 13, and backup Caleb Love tallied 12. Despite these efforts, the Trail Blazers suffered their ninth loss in 12 games.

Oklahoma City shot 48.9% overall, including 10-of-29 from beyond the arc, while playing without center Isaiah Hartenstein due to a calf injury. Portland converted 39.3% from the field and 16-of-49 from three-point range, missing center Donovan Clingan who was sidelined with an illness.

The game remained close entering the final quarter, with Portland holding a two-point lead. However, the Thunder surged ahead with an 8-0 run to open the fourth quarter, capped by Ajay Mitchell’s steal and layup that put Oklahoma City up 93-87 with over 10 minutes remaining. Portland briefly narrowed the gap, but Mitchell and Kenrich Williams extended the lead to 102-93 with just under seven minutes left.

Despite a late push by Portland, including a 3-pointer from Murray that brought them within two points at 107-105, Holmgren’s layup and Gilgeous-Alexander’s jumper restored a six-point cushion. Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch pull-up made it 119-110 with 31 seconds remaining, sealing the win for the Thunder.

At halftime, Portland led narrowly 55-54, fueled by Jerami Grant’s 13 first-half points, while Gilgeous-Alexander had already scored 12 for Oklahoma City. The third quarter ended with Portland up 87-85 after a layup from Robert Williams III.

The Thunder’s impressive performance underscores their status as one of the top contenders this season, showcasing depth and resilience against a Portland squad striving to regain form.