One more evening, one more game, and one more instance of the Portland Trail Blazers never giving up in a contest they had no business being in.
The Blazers’ defeat by Oklahoma City on Wednesday night at the Moda Centre, 128-120, was akin to their Monday night setback to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-114.
The Thunder had to grind out a victory because the Blazers played as close to the calibre of their opponents as they could.
With less than two minutes left in the third quarter, the Blazers were behind 88-86, but the Thunder ended the game on a 9-1 run to take a 10-point advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Portland persisted in hanging around but was never able to overcome the hump. When Matisse Thybulle made a three-pointer with 4:05 remaining in the game, the Blazers were within 112-110.
However, Oklahoma City continuously performed just enough to prevent the Blazers from grabbing the lead or tying the game. With 41 seconds remaining, Thunder forward Jalen Williams made a three-pointer to give his side a 126-117 lead, thereby ending Portland’s hopes of winning.
After recovering from a quad injury that kept him out of the Timberwolves game, Jerami Grant scored 20 points to lead the Blazers, who shot 41.2% from three-point range and 50.6% from the field.
With 29 points and five assists, Anfernee Simons took the lead for the Blazers.
The Thunder, who shot 58.1% from the field, were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, who both had excellent games. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points, five assists, and was the top scorer overall. Together with 14 rebounds, Holmgren scored 21 points.
The Thunder completed 33 of 39 three-pointers. Of the 12, Gilgeous-Alexander made 11.
The Blazers’ most recent game in Oklahoma City ended in a 111-109 loss on January 23. Chauncey Billups, the coach of the Blazers, stated that he pushed his squad to improve on the game that got away.
For the second time, Billups remarked, “I just thought we came out and we played this team really well man.” “We play the right way, no matter who is playing.” We will simply play correctly. And that’s what I hope will occur. Play together, that’s right. Although we always rely on one another, I’m pleased with where we are and the progress we’ve achieved.
WHAT IT MEANS
The Thunder (43-19) jumped into first place in the Western Conference while the Blazers (17-44) dropped their opening game of a six-game home stand. The Thunder have now defeated Portland in 12 straight games and are 4-0 versus the Blazers this season. On April 3, 2021, the Blazers defeated Oklahoma City 123-120.
HENDERSON ON THE MEND
Prior to the game, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups stated that rookie Scoot Henderson (adductor strain) might make a comeback this weekend.
Scoot is improving, according to Billups. “He’s making progress. He’s participating in a little more on the court. I believe he is drawing near.
The Blazers play host to Toronto on Saturday and Houston on Friday.
Billups stated, “I’m hoping at some point in one of those games this weekend.” “If he has no hurdles. He appeared really presentable today. He will undoubtedly be sore after it. However, we’ll see. He is working quite hard.
According to Billups, centre Deandre Ayton (wrist sprain) was also getting close to making a comeback.
NEXT UP
On Friday night, the Blazers play the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m.
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