Thunder protect league-best record
MANILA, Philippines — Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points as the Thunder grabbed a bounce-back 118-108 victory in Portland on Sunday to push their NBA-best record to 37-8.
The Thunder, surprised by the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, fended off a late surge from the Trail Blazers to snap their four-game winning streak.
Jalen Williams added 24 points and Isaiah Joe added 16 off the bench. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, back after a five-game absence with a calf injury, added 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a big block.
But the Western Conference leaders were under pressure late as Portland, trailing by 15 heading into the fourth quarter, sliced the deficit to six on Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 2:37 left to play.
Oklahoma City’s lead was 112-106 with 1:49 remaining when Hartenstein, fed by Gilgeous-Alexander, threw down a dunk.
Gilgeous-Alexander followed with a driving layup to push the lead back to double digits.
Oklahoma City out-scored the Blazers 52-22 in the paint and had a 28-13 advantage in second-chance points.
- Latest
- Trending
