NBA: West-leading Thunder halt Trail Blazers’ win streak

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against Scoot Henderson (R) #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of an NBA game at Moda Center on January 26, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Soobum Im/Getty Images/AFP 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and Jalen Williams added 24 as the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder beat Portland 118-108 on Sunday to snap the Trail Blazers’ NBA season-high four-game winning streak.

Isaiah Joe had 16 points off the bench for Oklahoma City, which led by as many as 19 in the second quarter. Isaiah Hartenstein returned after missing five games due to a left calf strain and had 14 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

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The Blazers scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to pull within 93-88 with 9:04 left before Oklahoma City answered with four 3-pointers during a 12-2 run.

Anfernee Simons hit a 3-pointer with 2:37 left to cut the deficit to 110-104, but Oklahoma City scored eight of the next 10 points to seal the victory.

Hartenstein recorded his 16th double-double in 25 games this season for the Thunder, who shot 47.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent (10 of 30) from 3-point range.

Deni Avdija led Portland with 28 points. Toumani Camara made all five of his 3-point attempts and finished with a career-high 24 points, Scoot Henderson added 25 points, Anfernee Simons had 14 and Shaedon Sharpe 10.

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Portland shot 45 percent (18 of 40) from 3-point range but was outscored 52-22 on points in the paint.

The Blazers have lost 15 straight meetings against Oklahoma City, including three this season.

Portland took an early 10-point lead after making each of its first four 3-point attempts, but Oklahoma City tied the game at 27 at the end of the first quarter after closing on a 17-7 run.

The Thunder carried the momentum into the second quarter and moved ahead 57-38 on Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3-pointer with 4:28 left in the half.

Avdija had 19 points in the first half for Portland, which cut the deficit to 66-53 at intermission. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams had 17 apiece to lead Oklahoma City.

Camara scored 13 points in the third quarter to keep Portland within striking distance. The Blazers trailed 93-78 at the end of the period.