Portland Trail Blazers defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 98–91
The Portland Trail Blazers held the Oklahoma City Thunder to just 11 points in the third period to record a 98–91 win at the Rose Garden in Portland on Friday. Kevin Durant committed two turnovers and missed all eight of his shots, as the Blazers outscored
the Thunder 25-11 in the third period to snap their five-game winning streak.
Durant was perfect from the free-throw line but a pathetic 3-for-13 from beyond the arc; he finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook also had a below-par performance as he went 5-of-15 to manage just 16 points on the night. James Harden
added 21 points off the bench for the Thunder.
The Thunder started the game off strongly with Durant’s 13 first quarter points, as they raced out to a 30–20 lead at the end of the opening quarter. LaMarcus Aldridge added 12 points for the Blazers in the opening quarter to keep them within striking distance
of the Thunder.
Portland recovered after a disappointing first quarter and capitalised on six turnovers by the Thunder to cut their advantage down to 59-53 heading into the second half.
Oklahoma City turned the ball over 14 times to hand the Blazers an indirect advantage in the game. The Blazers on the other hand, protected the ball well and only recorded four slipups.
The third period saw Portland dominate the game completely as they held the Thunder to just four field goals during a 12-minute stretch. The Blazers then went on an unanswered 15-point run mid-way through the period to open the game up and take a 72-65 lead.
Aldridge added 12 points in the period to lead the Portland onslaught.
Oklahoma fought hard in the final quarter but couldn’t overcome the damage that had been done earlier on. Durant hit two three-pointers late in the game in an effort to cut the lead down, but Andre Miller stepped up to the free-throw line and drained five
out of six shots to make sure the game didn’t get close.
LaMarcus Aldridge led all scorers with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Andre Miller and Gerald Wallace chipped in with 13 points apiece. Nicolas Batum shot 8-of-14 from the floor to add 19 points off the bench.
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