Top Performers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort Lead Thunder Passed Trail Blazers

The Thunder dropped the Trail Blazers 138-129 behind a big performance from Gilgeous-Alexander.

In the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first matchup since the NBA trade deadline passed, they took on Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Western Conference standings being as tight as they are, this game was big for both sides.

However, despite the Trail Blazers building a solid lead in the beginning of the final frame, the Thunder came away with a 138-129 win over the Trail Blazers.

To lead the Thunder, of course, was All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and boy did he deliver. The 6-foot-6 guard strung together a 44-point performance on 13-of-16 shooting and 18-of-19 on free throws. He added seven assists and three rebounds. Another incredible performance from Gilgeous-Alexander.

To sum it up, when Lu Dort was asked how to stop Gilgeous-Alexander, his answer was quite simple, “I don’t know.”

Speaking of Dort, he was able to return from his absence from this game and made a huge impact. He scored 18 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-3 on 3-pointers, while being a +30 in 20 minutes of action. All-around great effort from Dort in limited minutes.

Josh Giddey also added some offense, racking up 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and 2-of-3 on 3-pointers. He added seven assists and six rebounds. He helped fill the stat sheet and continues to shoot the ball well.
Another player who continues to shoot the ball well is Isaiah Joe. He knocked down all four of his attempted 3-pointers. All 12 of his points were scored from beyond the arc as he continues to provide immense value from beyond the arc.

The Thunder will get a break until next Monday, where they will get a chance to reach a .500 record against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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