The Thunder went to Oregon tonight to challenge the Blazers of a boiling Damian Lillard. The duel between Dame and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lived up to expectations, as the two zinzins went head-to-head at high level. At the end ? It’s the OKC star who has the last word: 44 points at 81% shooting and victory for the Thunder!
Regalade.
There is no other word to describe the basketball game that took place last night in Portland. Which part ! A tight match from start to finish, until the last two minutes. Two main actors allowed the Moda Center spectators to take full advantage of it: Damian Lillard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two leaders were expected for a match within the match, they did not disappoint: exchange of shots each more complicated than the other during the entire meeting.
Shai will however have been the one who will do the best. He finished with 44 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists at… 81% shooting. Cleanliness that would freak Monsieur Propre himself. He equals his career points record here, and breaks the 40 pawn mark for the second time in four games. Opposite, Damian Lillard stopped at 38 points and 9 assists. Definitely the game of the night, as the two boys agreed to give us a superb show.
Shai powers up and OKC erupts for a 16-2 run! ????@OGandE Power Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/9aJDMFo0zI
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 11, 2023
If the two bosses have assumed their status, the difference is made on the contributions of the bench. The Éclairs were able to count on 52 points from the substitute team. A real pleasure to know that the second unit does the job while the incumbents are resting. This was especially noticeable in the final minutes, where Luguentz Dort brought the baskets to take the decisive gap. OKC ends its road trip with a second consecutive victory and remains more than ever in the race for qualification for the Playin tournament.
Source : ESPN