Portland Stuns Oklahoma City in Wild Finish
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dream of an undefeated season came crashing down in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, as the Portland Trail Blazers stormed back from a 22-point deficit to snatch a 121–119 victory. The Blazers’ improbable rally not only handed the Thunder their first loss of the year but also snapped a 16-game losing streak to Oklahoma City—a streak that had haunted Portland fans for years.
Deni Avdija’s Near Triple-Double Headlines Blazers’ Heroics
Deni Avdija was the heart and soul of Portland’s comeback, delivering a monster performance with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists—just one dime shy of a triple-double. Avdija’s relentless energy and clutch playmaking set the tone for a Blazers squad that refused to quit, even when the odds looked insurmountable.
Jrue Holiday was equally vital, pouring in 22 points and draining six three-pointers, while
Jerami Grant chipped in 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Blazers’ balanced attack overwhelmed the Thunder in the final stretch, outscoring them 40–33 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Thunder’s Collapse: A Rare Meltdown
For Oklahoma City, the loss was as shocking as it was rare. The Thunder had not blown a 20-point lead since February 2025, when they let a 25-point advantage slip away against Minnesota.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could to keep OKC afloat, finishing with 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Aaron Wiggins was red-hot from deep, hitting seven threes en route to 27 points, and rookie
Ajay Mitchell added 21 points.
But it wasn’t enough. The Thunder’s offense sputtered late, and their defense couldn’t contain Portland’s late surge.
What This Means for Both Teams
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Portland improves to 5–3, showing resilience and a newfound ability to close out tough games. The win could be a turning point for a team that’s struggled against elite competition.
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Oklahoma City drops to 8–1, losing their perfect record but gaining a valuable lesson in composure and execution under pressure.
Key Moments and Takeaways
- The Blazers’ 22-point comeback is their largest since February 2023.
- The win ends a 16-game losing streak to the Thunder.
- Avdija’s near triple-double cements his status as a rising star in Portland.
- The Thunder’s blown lead is only their second such collapse in two seasons.
Looking Ahead
This game will be remembered as one of the early season’s most thrilling finishes. For the Blazers, it’s a statement win that could spark a run. For the Thunder, it’s a wake-up call—and a reminder that no lead is ever truly safe in the NBA.
Sources
1. Final 3:17 CRAZY ENDING Trail Blazers vs Thunder - YouTube
2. [PDF] Negotiations target wage reductions Voter rejection of Amendment 4 ...
3. Tiago Splitter Discusses 4th Quarter Comeback And Win ... - YouTube
4. 11-02-2010_pdf.txt - UFDC Image Array 2 - University of Florida
5. Portland Blazers beat undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-119