OKC Thunder’s Historic Season Start Crumbles Under Pressure, Exposing Fragility in the Face of Adversity and Rivalry
On a stormy day in Portland, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced a harsh reality check as they succumbed to the Trail Blazers, marking the end of their historic start to the season. The Thunder, which had been riding high with an 8-0 record, saw their momentum shattered as Portland mounted a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit to secure a 121-119 victory. This loss not only halted the Thunder’s impressive streak but also raised questions about their resilience and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
The Thunder’s performance in the game showcased both their strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, they demonstrated a formidable defense, particularly in the paint, where they had been allowing a league-low average of 39 points. Players like Jaylin Williams, despite nursing injuries, showcased their tenacity by blocking shots and intimidating opponents. Williams’ emphatic rejection of a shot from Portland’s towering center, Donovan Clingan, was a highlight that illustrated the Thunder’s defensive prowess. They managed to hold the Trail Blazers to just 32 points in the paint, a testament to their physicality and determination.
However, the Thunder’s inability to maintain their lead and close out the game raises concerns about their mental fortitude. The game shifted dramatically in the second half, as the Thunder struggled to contain the Trail Blazers’ perimeter shooting. Jrue Holiday emerged as a key player for Portland, hitting crucial three-pointers that not only chipped away at the Thunder’s lead but ultimately propelled the Blazers to victory. Holiday’s performance, including a pivotal step-back three-pointer over reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighted the Thunder’s defensive lapses and inability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star player and reigning scoring champion, had a slow start, failing to score in the first quarter. However, he found his rhythm in the second quarter, showcasing his scoring ability with 12 points and finishing the game with 35 points, along with nine rebounds and four assists. His remarkable consistency, with at least 20 points in 81 consecutive regular-season games, underscores his importance to the Thunder’s success. Yet, the reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander to carry the team raises concerns about the depth of the Thunder’s roster and their ability to perform as a cohesive unit when faced with adversity.
The loss to the Trail Blazers also brings to light the broader implications for the Thunder’s season. While an 8-1 record is commendable, the defeat serves as a reminder that the NBA is a league where momentum can shift rapidly. The Thunder will need to address their mental resilience and defensive strategies as they move forward in the season. The ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations will be crucial for their aspirations of making a deep playoff run.
Injuries also played a significant role in the Thunder’s performance. The absence of key players like Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren due to various ailments left the team shorthanded and may have contributed to their inability to close out the game. The depth of the roster will be tested as the season progresses, and the Thunder must find ways to adapt and overcome challenges posed by injuries and fatigue.
As the Thunder prepare for their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the focus will be on regrouping and learning from the loss. The game against the Trail Blazers serves as a critical learning experience, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and executing strategies under pressure. The Thunder’s historic start may have come to an end, but the potential for growth and improvement remains. The road ahead will require resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to learning from setbacks, as the Thunder aim to reclaim their momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the NBA.
PORTLAND, OR – On a stormy day in Portland, the Trail Blazers rained on the Thunder‘s parade.
Portland erased a 22-point deficit to hand OKC a 121-119 loss on Wednesday. The Thunder is now 8-1, snapping its streak for the best start to a season in franchise history.
Here are three takeaways from the loss:
Pre-order new book on Thunder’s run to NBA title
Thunder’s punished those who penetrated the paint
Jaylin Williams was still sporting a bandage above his swollen left eye, covering three stitches he’d received after taking an elbow to the face against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before.
And yet he had no issue staring Donovan Clingan down in the final minute of the first quarter. When the Trail Blazers’ 7-foot-2 center elevated for a chip shot, the Thunder’s chippy 6-9 forward elevated even higher for an emphatic block.
Williams flexed his muscles as the ball bounced out of bounds. He then mean-mugged the crowd, which was extra menacing with his bandaged and bruised face.
Williams wasn’t OKC’s only punishing paint protector. The Thunder allowed a league-low average of 39 points in the paint entering Wednesday, and it continued to dominate in that department. It dogpiled drivers, swiped at the basketball and even rejected the occasional shot.
OKC held Portland to 32 points in the paint as a result. The Trail Blazers only shot 17 for 45 from inside the arc (37.8%).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shakes of slow start
When you need to get hot, get to your spot.
That’s exactly what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did after failing to make a shot during the first quarter. The reigning scoring champ found a rhythm in the second by finding his way to the baseline, where he has decimated countless defenders throughout his career.
The latest victim proved to be Toumani Camara, an All-Defensive second team forward with limbs as long as the trees in Portland’s Forest Park. But even he couldn’t deflect Gilgeous-Alexander’s turnaround jumper, which dropped through the rim.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points in the second quarter and ultimately finished the night with 35 points. He also added nine rebounds and four assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored at least 20 points in 81 consecutive regular-season games. He only trails Wilt Chamberlain, who had two streaks of 126 games and 92 games, on the all-time list.
Jrue Holiday, Trail Blazers torched the Thunder from deep
Jrue Holiday held his right hand in the air to prove his shooting form was pure, but it’s not like he needed to.
The results spoke for themselves.
On a night when the paint was barricaded by Thunder bodies, Holiday found another way to score. He racked up 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting from deep (60%), and his biggest triple came with 2:48 left in the game.
Holiday hit Gilgeous-Alexander with a stepback and launched a 3-pointer over the reigning MVP. It was found the bottom of the net, giving Portland a 112-104 lead.
The rest of the Trail Blazers’ shooters also showed up. Portland went a blistering 19 for 43 from deep (44.2%) to hand OKC its first loss of the season.
Tip-ins
- Portland’s Toumani Camara and OKC’s Ajay Mitchell both got the starting nod Wednesday. They’re the only two Belgian players in the NBA.
- OKC was without Alex Caruso (rest), Lu Dort (right upper trap strain) and Chet Holmgren (lower back sprain), who all played against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before.
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder’s historic start to season ends with loss to Trail Blazers