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Thunder try to stop home skid vs. Blazers

Mar 18, 2012 - 4:07 PM (Sports Network) - The Oklahoma City Thunder hope to put the brakes on a rare two-game losing streak at home when they entertain the Portland Trail Blazers tonight from Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The Western Conference-leading Thunder sport a strong 18-4 mark in the OKC this season, but have dropped three of four games as the host, including Friday's 114-105 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup between two of the top teams in the conference.

Russell Westbrook poured in a game-high 36 points and Kevin Durant followed with 25 in the loss. The Thunder, who trailed by as many as 27 points, have alternated wins and losses in their last six games and were coming off a road win over Denver the night before.

"You can't get down 27 points to a good team, to any team and expect to come back," said Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. "But give our guys credit. They nearly did that tonight with their toughness and spirit."

James Harden scored 19 points in his usual reserve role and Serge Ibaka collected 12 points and 12 boards. Oklahoma City is 24-8 against the West this season (13-3 at home) and owns a comfortable lead atop the Northwest standings.

Portland will close out a seven-game road trip Sunday and won for just the third time in the last 10 tries with a 100-89 triumph at Chicago Friday night.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points and Wesley Matthews posted 18 for the Trail Blazers, who fired head coach Nate McMillan this week and tabbed Kaleb Canales as his successor. The Blazers are 2-4 on the road trip, 7-16 outside of Rip City this season and last in the Northwest Division.

"It was a great team win," Portland reserve Jamal Crawford said after the victory. "I think that was the best team win we've had all year."

After visiting the OKC, Portland will play two straight and five of six contests back at the Rose Garden. The Blazers are still alive in the postseason race and sit 2 1/2 games off the eighth and final berth.

The Blazers handed Oklahoma City its first home loss of the season with a 103-93 victory back on Jan. 3, but the Thunder responded with a 111-107 overtime victory in the Rose City on Feb. 6. The two teams will meet again March 27 in Portland.