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The Oklahoma City Thunder's unbeaten streak ended as they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers 121-119 on Wednesday (November 5) in Portland, Oregon. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. The loss brings Oklahoma City's record to eight wins and one loss.
Portland's Deni Avdija was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. Jrue Holiday added 22 points, including crucial free throws that gave the Blazers a 121-118 lead with just six seconds left on the clock. Jerami Grant contributed 20 points off the bench.
The game was tightly contested, with the Thunder initially leading by 22 points. However, Portland rallied, with Avdija and Duop Reath playing pivotal roles. Reath, a 3-point shooting center, scored nine points in the second quarter, helping the Blazers outscore the Thunder 36-24 in that period.
Despite a strong effort from Aaron Wiggins, who scored 27 points, the Thunder couldn't maintain their lead. With 0.5 seconds remaining, Isaiah Joe was fouled on a jumper, but a replay review showed his toe was on the 3-point line. He made the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, but Oklahoma City failed to capitalize on the last-second tip-in attempt.
The Thunder were without key players Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso, who sat out the game. Oklahoma City will look to bounce back when they visit Sacramento on Friday (November 7), while Portland will face Miami on Saturday (November 8).