Portland Trail Blazers Hand OKC Thunder Their First Loss of the Season
After a slow start, the Portland Trail Blazers came back to defeat the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119, handing them their first loss of the season. The Thunder rested several key players, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, and their lesser-known shooters still put up a strong fight, leaving fans wondering, “Wait, who is that? How many threes has he hit?”
Shooting Performance Defined the Game
The Blazers struggled early on, missing every shot and unable to find their rhythm. However, they bounced back, improving their shooting and closing the gap by halftime. They kept up their shooting efficiency through the second half, ultimately prevailing in a game filled with many three-point attempts and fouls.
Jrue Holiday Shines as Hero
Jrue Holiday played a crucial role in the victory. In the second quarter, his timely shooting helped the Blazers regain momentum. His consistent shot-making in the second half secured the lead. Holiday ended the night with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists, shooting 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Team Stats and Defensive Impact
- This was the Blazers' first win of the season despite shooting fewer field goals than the Thunder.
- They made 19 out of 43 three-point attempts, shooting 44.2% from beyond the arc.
- Defense played a key role, often leading to more defensive stops rather than immediate offense, depending on shooting success.
"Sometimes, defense just leads to more defense, depending on how they’re shooting."
Overall, the Blazers’ resilience and hot shooting from three-point range defined their comeback and victory.
Author's summary: The Portland Trail Blazers overcame a slow start and tough defense to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder in a close game fueled by impressive three-point shooting and strong contributions from Jrue Holiday.
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