Trail Blazers Stun Thunder After Massive Comeback
You wouldn’t believe the turnaround that happened last night at the Moda Center. The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off one of the most improbable victories of the season, stunning the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119. And what makes it even more remarkable is that Portland trailed by a whopping 22 points in the first quarter. Yes, you heard that right—22 points down against a team that hadn’t lost a single game yet this season.
The Blazers’ performance in the early stages was nothing short of disastrous. They shot poorly, turned the ball over repeatedly, and their defense looked almost non-existent. By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder had built a commanding 41-21 lead. Aaron Wiggins led the charge for Oklahoma City with 14 points, while Ajay Mitchell added eight. Portland’s stars, including Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant, struggled to find their rhythm, missing multiple shots and making turnovers that allowed the Thunder to extend their lead. Interim coach Tiago Splitter even had to call an early timeout to try to steady his team.
Also Read:- Helena Bonham Carter Shines in Netflix’s Star-Studded Agatha Christie Drama
- Breakers Host 36ers in High-Stakes NBL Showdown
But the Blazers didn’t give up. Slowly but surely, they began to chip away at the Thunder’s lead. By the fourth quarter, Portland caught fire. Out of nowhere, they were making nearly every shot, hitting six of seven three-pointers in a furious run that rattled Oklahoma City. Deni Avdija, who had missed his first 11 field goal attempts, came alive in crunch time, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter and finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double. Jrue Holiday added crucial points, including a 10-footer with 6:44 left that gave Portland a stunning 97-96 lead. He then followed it up by forcing a turnover and sinking a three-pointer, turning a 22-point deficit into a four-point advantage almost instantly.
Jerami Grant provided key support off the bench, contributing 20 points, while the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a massive game with 35 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Still, even his effort wasn’t enough to hold off Portland’s late-game surge. Every Thunder push was answered by a timely shot, a steal, or a defensive stop, and the Blazers sealed the win when Robert Williams III grabbed a rebound on a missed free throw at the buzzer.
This victory was a statement for Portland. The Blazers improved to 5-3 while Oklahoma City suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 8-1. It was a night that showcased grit, determination, and a comeback that will be remembered by fans for a long time. The Blazers are now looking ahead to a five-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Miami Heat, carrying the momentum of a thrilling, season-defining win.
Read More:
0 Comments