Oklahoma City Thunder unleashed a record-breaking performance, pulverizing the Portland Trail Blazers 139-77 in a historic rout. The 62-point victory, the fifth-largest in NBA history, marked a complete turnaround for the Thunder, who were on the receiving end of the league's biggest blowout just a year ago.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Charge: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the offensive onslaught with 31 points, while Josh Giddey notched a triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists). Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 21 and 19 points, respectively, as the Thunder shot a scorching 57% from the field.
Blazers Devastated: Portland's night was a nightmare. Anfernee Simons (14 points) and Scoot Henderson (13 points) were the only bright spots in a dismal shooting performance (27.7%). Coach Chauncey Billups summed up the team's frustration: "Nothing really worked for us."
Turning Point: The Thunder's 22-2 run in the first quarter, fueled by a bizarre basket from Holmgren, proved to be the turning point. Holmgren drove to the rim, got tackled by Jerami Grant, but somehow managed to bank the ball over his shoulder for a basket.
Dominant Display: Oklahoma City's dominance continued throughout the game. Giddey's quarterback-like pass to Williams, a 43-17 third-quarter advantage, and a 118-56 lead before the final period cemented their victory.
Beyond the Scoreboard: This win holds significance beyond the numbers. It's a testament to the Thunder's resilience after experiencing the league's worst loss last year, and a sign of their potential as Western Conference contenders.