Trail Blazers Rally to Defeat Thunder
Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists as they overcame a 22-point deficit to secure a 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
Key Performances
- Jrue Holiday contributed 22 points, including two crucial free throws that put Portland ahead 121-118 with six seconds remaining.
- Jerami Grant added 20 points off the bench, helping hand the defending NBA champions their first loss of the season.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points for Oklahoma City, and Aaron Wiggins had 27 points.
Crucial Moments
With the Thunder trailing by three points late in the game, Isaiah Joe was fouled on a jumper with 0.5 seconds left. After a replay review confirmed Joe's toe was on the 3-point line, he made his first free throw and intentionally missed the second. Oklahoma City then failed on a final tip-in attempt.
Game Dynamics
Oklahoma City, at 8-1, was without Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso, who all sat out following their victory against the Los Angeles Clippers the previous night.
Holiday’s jumper put Portland ahead 97-96 with 6:44 remaining. After forcing a backcourt violation on Oklahoma City's next possession, Holiday hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 100-96. Wiggins responded with a 5-0 run to give the Thunder a brief 101-100 advantage, but the teams exchanged leads until Grant's jumper made it 105-104 for Portland.
“Jrue Holiday made two clutch free throws that put Portland ahead 121-118 with six seconds left.”
Portland improved to 5-3 with this comeback victory.
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