Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 33 points, and Jalen Williams scored 19, including a decisive basket with just two seconds remaining, guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a narrow 111-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers during Tuesday’s NBA action.
In a game-clinching move, Gilgeous-Alexander intercepted a pass meant for Deandre Ayton as time expired, ensuring Oklahoma City’s seventh consecutive win against Portland. This follows their remarkable 62-point victory over the Trail Blazers in their last matchup. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s resilience.
“I thought the guys collectively did a really good job of hanging in there tonight,” Daigneault said. ” … we obviously just had a hard time finding our rhythm. Some of that was us and some of that was them. They really showed up and played tonight and did a really nice job. They were really tough to compete against.”
Scoot Henderson contributed 19 points for Portland and Anfernee Simons added 17, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute, putting Portland ahead 109-106. However, a crucial turnover by Malcolm Brogdon called for a double-dribble and sparked controversy.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, attempting to call a timeout, was subsequently ejected after receiving two technical fouls. He expressed frustration post-game, emphasizing the effort his team had put in.
“We’ve got timeouts,” Billups said. “Referees usually are prepared for that, you know, that instance, that situation. I’m at half court, trying to call a timeout. It’s just frustrating. My guys played too hard for that, it’s a frustrating play.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throw tied the game, setting the stage for Williams’ winning mid-range jumper. Williams, who scored eight in the final quarter.
“Shooters shoot,” said Williams, who scored eight points in the fourth quarter. “That shot I work on a lot. Coach drew the play up for me to shoot it. My mind is a little more free just because it’s a tie game, so it’s like worst case, you get to go to OT. But coach had faith in me to get to the spot I wanted to get to and make the shot.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Oklahoma City (30-13) saw contributions from Aaron Wiggins, with 13 points off the bench, and Chet Holmgren, who added eight points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.
The Thunder’s previous encounters with Portland included a record-setting 139-77 victory and a 43-point win in November.
Portland, bolstered by the addition of 7-footer Ayton and Brogdon, saw them combine for 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Brogdon and Jerami Grant scored 18 points for the Trail Blazers (12-31), who have yet to win against a Western Conference team this season. Reflecting on the previous lopsided defeat, Billups remarked about the progression of his team.
“They blew us out (by) 62 a week-and-a-half-ago,” Billups said. “We said ‘listen, either you’re going to roll or get rolled on.’ That’s how this game works. Our guys, they rolled today. They played really good, they shared the ball, defensively I thought we did a really good job, we made them earn everything.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throws gave Oklahoma City an early lead, but Portland, fueled by Jabari Walker’s three-pointer at the buzzer, reduced the gap to 38-28 at the end of the first quarter.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Portland’s resurgence continued into the second quarter, narrowing the lead and eventually overtaking the Thunder, leading 66-58 at halftime, aided by a strong 52% success rate from the three-point line.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers will face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, while the Thunder will take on the San Antonio Spurs.
