Thunder make noise, stop Blazers’ streak

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points as the Thunder grabbed a bounce-back 118-108 victory in Portland on Sunday to push their National Basketball Association (NBA)-best record to 37-8.

The Thunder, surprised by the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, fended off a late surge from the Trail Blazers to snap their four-game winning streak.

Jalen Williams delivered 24 points and Isaiah Joe added 16 off the bench. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, back after a five-game absence with a calf injury, added 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a big block.

But the Western Conference leaders were under pressure late as Portland, trailing by 15 heading into the fourth quarter, sliced the deficit to six on Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 2:37 left to play.

Oklahoma City’s lead was 112-106 with 1:49 remaining when Hartenstein, fed by Gilgeous-Alexander, threw down a dunk.

Gilgeous-Alexander followed with a driving layup to push the lead back to double digits.

“Just executing,” Hartenstein said of the key to turning back the Trail Blazers. “Focusing on the details.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, who came into the contest averaging 32 points, 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds, added five rebounds, one assist and three of the Thunder’s seven steals.