After a slow start, the Portland Trail Blazers rallied back to hand the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder their first loss of the season, 121-119.
The Thunder rested several key players. Despite their
short-handedness, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, and their armada of guys who make you ask “Wait, who is that? How many threes has he hit?” put up a formidable fight.
Shooting was the story of the game. Early on, the Blazers couldn’t hit fish in a barrel, cast a stone in the ocean, or hit a barn door (they missed every shot). They then regressed to the mean, roaring back to stay within punching distance by the end of the half. They sustained this shooting to the end of the game, where they emerged victorious from the foul-up-three gauntlet.
Player of Note
Jrue Holiday was the hero tonight. In the second quarter, Holiday’s timely shooting helped the Blazers claw back into the game. In the second half, his shot-making ultimately delivered the lead. Alongside stout defense, Holiday finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 6 of 10 shooting from three.
Stat of the Night
Tonight marks the Blazers’ first win of the season in which they shot less field goals than their opponent. Math was still on their side, though. In 43 attempts the Blazers cashed in on 19 threes, good for 44.2%.
What we Noticed
Defense leads to offense for this Blazers’ team. Sometimes, defense just leads to more defense, depending on how they’re shooting. Importantly, though, the Blazers’ defensive intensity never seems to falter. Even in the face of the Thunder’s offensive avalanches, Toumani Camara still picks up 94 feet; Kris Murray still gets his hands in passing lanes; Jrue Holiday still cuts off passing lanes. Maintaining that doggedness is what allows the Blazers to roar back from down big.
Speaking of doggedness: Anyone else already miss Blake Wesley?
Up Next
The Blazers will travel to Miami to face the Heat on Saturday, November 5th at 5pm Pacific.
