The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of business on Sunday night, grinding out a 123-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective - and in a building where they’d previously suffered their only road loss of the season, it felt like a statement.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked more like himself after a few quieter outings, dropping 26 points and dishing out five assists. He found his rhythm early and stayed in control throughout, using his usual mix of hesitation dribbles, mid-range touch, and downhill attacks to keep Portland’s defense off balance. This was the kind of performance Thunder fans have come to expect from their All-NBA leader - poised, efficient, and timely.
Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, continues to look more comfortable with each passing game. The rookie big man finished with 19 points and nine boards, showing off his versatility on both ends. He stretched the floor with his shooting, protected the rim, and even initiated a few possessions himself - a reminder of just how unique his skill set is for a 7-footer.
Jalen Williams was his usual do-it-all self, contributing 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. His ability to impact the game in so many ways - whether it’s grabbing a tough board, making the extra pass, or attacking a mismatch - is a big reason why OKC continues to trend upward. And don’t overlook Ajay Mitchell, who came off the bench and poured in 17 points, giving the Thunder a much-needed scoring boost when the second unit hit the floor.
But give credit to the Blazers - they didn’t go quietly.
Deni Avdija had a monster night, putting up 31 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. That’s a triple-double with serious muscle behind it.
He also got to the line a ton, going 19-of-23 on free throws, and kept Portland in the game with his aggressive play on both ends. It was the kind of performance that makes you take notice - a reminder that Avdija is more than just a role player.
Toumani Camara chipped in 19 points and eight rebounds, continuing to show flashes of what he can be as a high-energy contributor. Jerami Grant added 18 points, doing most of his damage in the midrange and around the rim.
Ultimately, the Thunder’s depth and execution down the stretch made the difference. They hit timely shots, got key stops, and leaned on their stars when it mattered most. It wasn’t a blowout, but it was a mature road win - the kind of performance that builds confidence for a young team with big aspirations.
With this win, Oklahoma City keeps pace in a competitive Western Conference and checks off another box on the road to becoming a legit playoff contender.