Overview
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 37 points in 30 minutes on 13-of-18 shooting with 9-for-9 free throws, sitting the fourth quarter.
- A blistering 39-18 first quarter put Oklahoma City firmly in control, and the lead stretched to as many as 36 in the second half.
- Rookie Ajay Mitchell added 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 night, while Isaiah Hartenstein hauled in 15 rebounds.
- Portland, missing key guards including Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, got 21 from Jerami Grant but shot a season-worst 36.3% and went 12-for-47 from deep.
- The Thunder dominated the interior with 58 paint points and forced 17 turnovers, showcasing the NBA's top-rated defense.