Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder failed to exact revenge on the Portland Trail Blazers, losing again on Wednesday, 118-108, at Moda Center in the second game of their back-to-back series.
The Thunder also bowed to the Trail Blazers, 123-103, at the same venue on Tuesday.
Oklahoma City held the lead in the fourth quarter, but it was short-lived. Portland rallied behind Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija to pull the rug out from under the Thunder. Lillard and Avdija combined for 20 points in the final period.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 31 points and four rebounds, but he struggled from the field, shooting just 9-of-20, including 0-of-7 from long distance. He also made an unwanted distinction, according to OptaSTATS.
“This is the first time in NBA regular-season history that the reigning MVP lost by double digits to the same team on back-to-back days,” noted OptaSTATS.
SGA had 26 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on Tuesday. He, however, also struggled with his efficiency, going only 8-of-22, including 0-of-4 from long range.
The 28-year-old guard has had to carry a heavy load amid the serious injuries of Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace, who are all out for multiple weeks.
The Thunder were on a four-game winning streak before getting swept by the Trail Blazers.
Jared McCain cut Portland’s lead to five points, 110-105, after sinking a three-pointer with 1:19 left in the fourth quarter. Lillard, however, shut the door on OKC in the ensuing possession with a pair of free throws.
The Thunder will try to bounce back on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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