The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their championship aspirations with a commanding victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, defeating them 122-95 at Paycom Center on Sunday night, November 23, 2025. Led by the standout performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 37 points in just three quarters, the Thunder quickly avenged their only previous loss of the season, which had come against the Blazers earlier this month.
From the outset, the Thunder dominated the game, establishing a significant 39-18 lead by the end of the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly impressive, scoring 17 points in the opening frame on an efficient 6-for-7 shooting. The Thunder’s collective performance was equally impressive, as they shot 67% from the field and 60% from three-point range, effectively punishing a Blazers team hampered by injuries and forced to compete without seven key players, including their starting backcourt.
Portland briefly held a narrow lead in the early stages, but it was a fleeting moment, with the Thunder quickly taking control. By game’s end, they maintained a substantial lead throughout the remaining quarters, with their defense playing a crucial role in stifling the Blazers’ scoring opportunities. The Thunder’s defensive rating, already the best in the league at 103.0, was on full display as they forced 17 turnovers and limited Portland to just 37% shooting overall and 26% from beyond the arc.
Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter acknowledged the Thunder’s superior aggression and execution, stating, “They were the aggressor, they played better.” Despite some efforts by Jerami Grant, who scored 21 points and was one of only three Blazers players in double figures, the Blazers struggled to find their rhythm. Deni Avdija managed 11 points but found little success, achieving only 4 out of 16 shooting attempts.
The Thunder’s ability to share the ball was evident, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Ajay Mitchell added 20 points, while Isaiah Joe chipped in with 10, collectively helping propel Oklahoma City to an impressive 17-1 record for the season.
Looking ahead, the Blazers will attempt to regroup as they prepare for a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, where they will seek to reclaim their competitive edge and find the offensive flow that eluded them in this game. Meanwhile, the Thunder continue to affirm their status as a powerhouse in the league, eyeing their second consecutive championship.