Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, proper drives to the basket in opposition to Portland Path Blazers ahead Jabari Walker, left, through the first half of an NBA basketball recreation in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Picture/Steve Dykes)
PORTLAND, Oregon — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 factors earlier than heading to the bench within the third quarter and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder received their fifth straight recreation with a 134-91 rout of the Portland Path Blazers on Sunday night time.
Rookie Chet Holmgren added 16 factors and 6 rebounds for the Thunder, who led by as many as 47 factors. Isaiah Joe had 15 factors, all on 3-pointers.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault began sending his starters to the bench with about 5 minutes left within the third quarter and they didn’t return.
Jerami Grant had 14 factors to guide the short-handed Blazers, who’ve misplaced seven straight video games.
The Thunder had been enjoying the second of a back-to-back after a 130-123 additional time victory over the Warriors in San Francisco. Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 factors in that recreation.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his HOT STREAK with 28 PTS on 76% taking pictures in OKC’s fifth straight win of the season in Portland 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LhuEXFptc6
— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2023
The Thunder performed with out starter Jalen Williams, who damage his left hip through the recreation in opposition to the Warriors and was sore on Sunday morning. Cason Wallace began in his place.
Portland has struggled with key accidents to beginning guard Anfernee Simons (thumb), rookie Scoot Henderson (ankle) and Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring). The accidents have made it powerful because the workforce tries to maneuver on after All-Star Damian Lillard’s departure within the offseason.
Portland ranked final within the NBA with a median of 103.9 factors per recreation.
“Fact of the matter is we’re coping with numerous issues offensively. And anyone that is aware of, if you happen to don’t have playmakers, you’re going to battle. You’re going to battle,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups stated. “We all know that and we perceive that. We don’t make any excuses about that.”
Billups stated that Brogdon was the closest to returning.
The Thunder confirmed no signal of fatigue within the early going, constructing a 33-18 lead within the first quarter. By halfway by the second, Oklahoma Metropolis had stretched the result in 51-29, and the workforce went into halftime forward 76-43.
Holmgren, who scored all his factors within the first half, was 6 for six from the sector. Oklahoma Metropolis shot 71.8% from the ground within the half.
UP NEXT
Thunder: Host the Bulls on Wednesday night time.
Path Blazers: Go to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night time in an In-Season Match recreation.
Supply: sports activities.inquirer.internet