On Wednesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers competed hard and played close to the Oklahoma City Thunder while traveling. They also shot effectively from a distance.
The Blazers’ inability to handle the ball was one of their main issues.
The Thunder took advantage of Portland’s season-high 24 turnovers (15 in the first half), ending the Blazers’ three-game winning streak with a 109-99 victory.
At the Paycom Center, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups told reporters, “I was proud of us.” We put a lot of effort into our game. Indeed, we did. 24 turnovers are ultimately difficult to overcome. particularly while playing a really strong team.
Halfway in the fourth quarter, a put-back basket by Toumani Camara cut the Blazers’ deficit to 87-86.
The Thunder then went on a 16-5 run to lead 103-91 with 1:50 left, while the Blazers missed six of their next seven shots.
In addition to leading the Blazers with 21 points and four of eight three-pointers, Shaedon Sharpe also had six turnovers. Jerami Grant and Camara both scored 14 points.
Forward Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 30 points, shooting 5 of 9 from beyond the arc and 11 of 19 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an All-Star, made all 14 of his free throw tries and finished with 28 points.
In the first quarter, the Blazers led by as many as ten points after shooting five out of eleven three-pointers. However, the Thunder came back and went into the second quarter trailing just 23–21.
During the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Oklahoma City, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, searches for a gap past Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, left. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/AP) APAP
The Blazers shot only 31.8% from the field and committed a staggering 10 turnovers in the second quarter.
Billups stated, “We knew that was going to be a challenge for us.” That group is incredibly resilient. They significantly alter people.
At the break, the Blazers were just 47-44 down despite the careless play.
The Thunder, who led the NBA in thefts per game going into the contest, produced 14 against the Blazers. The Blazers’ turnovers were turned into 28 points by Oklahoma City.
The Thunder frequently entered the interior, scoring 56 points inside as opposed to the Blazers’ 32, who made 39.5% of their three-point attempts. The Thunder made a 29% shot.
Billups attributed the team’s turnovers to their too forceful paint-attacking style.
We discussed overpenetration, which we didn’t want to do to this squad because they swarm you, Billups stated. The pass becomes more difficult as you get farther into the paint because there are more people there. Additionally, they are adept at stripping the ball. And we sort of went over and discussed these topics. However, they force most teams to do so.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Blazers (6-9) showed a lot of great attributes while winning three straight games, which bodes well for them going forward. But against the Thunder (12–4), their turnovers and subpar inside defense did not bode well.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, left, shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell and loses the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/AP) APAP
HENDERSON SCOOT INJURED
Due to a left quad contusion, point guard Scoot Henderson exited the game in the third quarter and did not come back. In 26 minutes and 45 seconds, he finished the game with nine points and eight assists.
Following the game, Billups did not provide an update on Henderson.
AYTON AND SIMONS
The Blazers were once more without point guard Anfernee Simons due to illness and center Deandre Ayton due to a strain to his right index finger.
Ayton was marked as uncertain, and Simons had been promoted to dubious.
On November 10, following the team’s crushing defeat to Memphis, Ayton last played. In the first quarter of the team’s victory on November 12, Simons exited due to dyspnea.
UPCOMING
The Blazers take on the 11-5 Houston Rockets on Friday at 5 p.m.
Latest Blazers news
-
Trail Blazers Anfernee Simons suffers setback: Injury update
-
Careless play is dooming the Trail Blazers on many nights
-
Former Trail Blazers star announces retirement from the NBA
-
Trail Blazers release injury update for Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons
-
Trail Blazers Donovan Clingan blocking shots at elite rate
Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
