Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Oklahoma City Thunder to Victory Over Portland Trail Blazers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Thunder extended their strong season record.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 33 points as he led the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
On a Sunday with just one NBA game played amid the hype around the NFL conference finals, Jalen Williams added 24 points and eight assists for the Thunder in Portland, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Oklahoma City improved to 37-8 overall and 17-5 on the road. The next best season record belongs to western conference leaders Cleveland, who stand at 36-9.
Deni Avdija had 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for Portland, while Boomers duo Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath were unused by the hosts.
On a three-game winning streak, Portland (17-29) made things interesting in the final period, cutting the deficit to 93-88 on Anfernee Simons' free throws.
Oklahoma City had a 52-22 edge in points in the paint and a 28-13 advantage on second-chance points.
The Thunder lead the league in steals for the second straight season and, according to coach Mark Daigenault, the biggest reason is the defensive prowess of their best players, not anything he is coaching.
"On our level, it's the quality of defensive personnel," he said.
The Blazers have now lost 15 straight meetings against Oklahoma City, including three this season.
)
