Final
Westbrook, Durant lead Thunder past Blazers
Nov 3, 2012 - 4:37 AM Oklahoma City, OK (Sports Network) - Russell Westbrook poured in 32 points, and Kevin Durant tallied 23 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists in Oklahoma City's 106-92 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.The Thunder, who lost their season opener at San Antonio on Thursday thanks to Tony Parker's buzzer beater, also received 19 points from Kevin Martin and 12 from Nick Collison - both off the bench.
Martin, who took over the bench role from James Harden, the NBA's reigning Sixth Man of the Year, made all three of his shots from beyond the arc.
"We've always had good chemistry," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "James was a good player. Don't get me wrong, but he wasn't Dr. James. He wasn't helping the group stick together. All the guys do, Russell, Kevin, down the line."
The Trail Blazers, who were coming off a convincing season-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, were led by LaMarcus Aldridge's 22 points and 15 rebounds. Rookie Damian Lillard chipped in 21 points and seven assists, while J.J. Hickson totaled 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Lillard's jumper had the visitors within 84-79 with 7:25 remaining, but the Thunder embarked on a 11-2 run to take control. Durant's put-back off a 3- point miss from Westbrook started the spurt. Martin tacked on a 3-pointer and a running jumper before Westbrook converted two free throws.
Durant's two made foul shots created a 95-81 difference with 4:05 remaining, and the double-digit cushion remained until the final horn.
The Thunder fell behind early, but scored 11 in a row for a 24-18 edge with under two minutes left in the first quarter.
Durant's jam created a 40-33 lead with 5:08 left in the half and the same margin stood at the half at 49-42.
Lillard's bucket with 3:03 to go in the third had the Blazers within 64-63, but Portland never went back in front. Durant's 3-ball widened the gap to seven with a minute left and it was 74-66 moving to the fourth.
"Oklahoma City is a good defensive team. They made some adjustments I suppose," Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said. "Their big guys do a good job protecting the paint and made it difficult to score in the paint. We just couldn't get a rhythm going."
Game Notes
This was the Thunder's fourth straight home opening victory ... Oklahoma City has won seven of the last nine meetings with the Blazers ... Portland shot 36 percent, while OKC finished at 51.3 percent ... The Thunder dominated in the paint by a 44-24 scoring margin.
- PORTLAND: 92
OKLAHOMA CITY: 106
Final
Nov 2 10:27 PM - 62
roots - 62
roots - 62
roots - PORTLAND: 66
OKLAHOMA CITY: 74
End of 3rd
Nov 2 9:52 PM - 109
roots - 103
roots - PORTLAND: 42
OKLAHOMA CITY: 49
Halftime
Nov 2 9:10 PM - PORTLAND: 21
OKLAHOMA CITY: 26
End of 1st
Nov 2 8:40 PM - PORTLAND: 0
OKLAHOMA CITY: 0
1st Quarter - 11:48
Nov 2 8:13 PM
Related News
- The Oklahoma City Thunder Have Arrived Jan 3
- The Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama Rivalry Has Started Early Dec 28
- Sharpe, Ayton Questionable Against Kings Dec 25
- How Long Will It Take the Trail Blazers to Be Good Again? Dec 25
- What Was Your Biggest Trail Blazers Disappointment of 2023? Dec 25
- What’s Your Biggest Trail Blazers Joy This Year? Dec 25
- How Is the Moda Center Experience This Season? Dec 25
- A Christmas Gift for the Portland Trail Blazers Dec 25
- NBA Christmas Day Schedule Open Thread Dec 25
- The 12 Highlights of Trail Blazers Christmas Dec 24
- Favale: Trail Blazers Need to Clear Runway More for Youth Dec 24
- Send Your Questions for Tuesday’s Blazers vs. Kings Game! Dec 24