The Trail Blazers flipped a four-point deficit into a 56-50 halftime edge by holding Oklahoma City to 18 points in the second quarter.
Portland erased Oklahoma City’s four-point first-quarter cushion by scoring 28 in the opener, then outscored the Thunder 28-18 in the second to take a 56-50 halftime lead Wednesday. The swing was sharp: Oklahoma City opened with 32 points but managed only 18 in the second. Deni Avdija and Isaiah Hartenstein lead all scorers with 12 points apiece, while Jrue Holiday has 11, including three three-pointers. After the break, watch whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can find a rhythm after going 3-for-11 for 8 points, and whether the Thunder can restore their first-quarter pace.
Key Performers
Deni Avdija (Portland): 12 points, 5-for-10 shooting Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City): 12 points, 6-for-7 shooting Jrue Holiday (Portland): 11 points, 3-for-5 from three