Through 3 Quarters
The experts predicted a defeat for the Portland Trail Blazers, but with just one quarter left to go, they seem like they might make the experts look bad. Three quarters in and their offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating the Oklahoma City Thunder 85-69 three quarters in.
Small forward Greg Brown has led the way so far for Rip City, as he has 17 points.
Oklahoma City has been relying on the performance of small forward Jaylen Hoard, who has dropped a double-double on 17 points and ten rebounds.
the Thunder have lost 88% of the time when they were down heading into the fourth quarter this year, so this one seems just about wrapped up
Who’s Playing
Portland @ Oklahoma City
Current Records: Portland 27-51; Oklahoma City 23-55
What to Know
The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t won a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder since April 3 of last year, but they’ll be looking to end the drought Tuesday. The Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City will face off in a Northwest Division battle at 8 p.m. ET at Paycom Center. Allowing an average of 115.06 points per game, Portland has been asleep on the defensive side of the ball and will need to wake up before the contest.
Portland suffered a grim 113-92 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Portland was surely aware of their 13.5-point disadvantage in the point spread, but the foreknowledge did nothing to prevent the result. The top scorers for Portland were shooting guard Ben McLemore (19 points) and shooting guard Keon Johnson (19 points).
Meanwhile, the Thunder’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday was close at halftime, but Oklahoma City turned on the heat in the second half with 65 points. Oklahoma City was the clear victor by a 117-96 margin over Phoenix. Oklahoma City can attribute much of their success to forward Olivier Sarr, who shot 5-for-6 from downtown and finished with 24 points and six boards.
Oklahoma City’s win lifted…
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