Oklahoma City Thunder continue historic run with thrilling victory
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a hard-fought victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, triumphing 123-115 on Sunday night at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This win marks the Thunder’s 12th consecutive victory and pushes their record to an impressive 20-1 for the season. With this remarkable start, they now share the distinction of the best 21-game record in NBA history since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who famously began their campaign at 21-0. The Warriors eventually extended their streak to 24-0 and concluded that season with a historic 73-9 mark.
Gilgeous-Alexander rises to the occasion
Even on a night where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not at his most dominant, he found a way to step up when it mattered. The star guard scored 10 of his 26 points in the crucial moments of a tightly contested fourth quarter. This performance extended his streak of scoring 20 or more points to 93 games, marking the second-longest such streak in NBA history and surpassing the legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record of 92 games.
A back-and-forth battle
The game was a thrilling affair, characterized by intense competition and dramatic lead changes. The Trail Blazers held the lead for significant stretches, resulting in a total of 28 lead changes throughout the match. Portland’s ability to generate open shots from beyond the arc and attack the rim kept them in contention. The Thunder, however, orchestrated an early fourth-quarter run that allowed them to seize control and ultimately secure the win.
Portland’s unique challenge for Oklahoma City
Interestingly, the Trail Blazers have emerged as the only team to defeat the Thunder in their remarkable start to the season. Their previous encounter resulted in Oklahoma City’s sole loss, and this latest matchup showcased just how closely matched these two teams are. Both franchises emphasize a similar style of play, focusing on perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. They are built around strong guards and wings, utilizing their length and defensive prowess to challenge opponents.
The Blazers, while in the midst of a rebuilding phase, resemble past Thunder squads that fought valiantly for a Play-In spot. Their hustle and effort were evident as they led at halftime and maintained a slim advantage at the end of the third quarter. However, it was the experience of the Thunder that ultimately propelled them past the young Blazers team, underlining the resilience that has defined their season.
As the Thunder continue their historic journey, this win against Portland stands as a testament to their grit and determination, setting the stage for what could be a memorable season ahead.
