The OKC Thunder were able to come out strong against the Portland Trail Blazers; an 11-0 run set the table for what was a dominant first-half by the Bricktown boys.
The Oklahoma City Thunder caught fire offensively, shooting the lights out of the gym and out racing the Trail Blazers up and down the court in transition.
The OKC Thunder led 76-43 at intermission, that including 73 percent from beyond the arc, 71 percent from the floor, six steals, and a pair of blocks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went for 17 points, Chet Holmgren chipped in 16 points, with 12 from Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe. The OKC Thunder offense could do no wrong.
OKC Thunder first-half leaves fans over the moon as they dominate the Portland Trail Blazers.
While some NBA fans might wonder why this first-half against the lowly Blazers with an Injury Report the length of a CVS receipt has the OKC Thunder all hopped up on sugar the answer is simple.
The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of business, even without Sophomore sensation Jalen Williams, the Thunder did not play down to their competition. That is a huge accomplishment in this league, especially on the second night of a back to back, the third game in four nights, and fresh off an emotional win against the Golden State Warriors less than 24 hours ago. That allowed OKC Thunder fans to let their hair down and go wild after a half of basketball in Portland.
Per Tom Haberstroh on the Trail Blazers broadcast, Oklahoma City's first half was the best true shooting percentage from any team in a half in 3 seasons.
— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) November 20, 2023
Spin cycle 🔛 pic.twitter.com/c92ZgSlTuj
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 20, 2023
Shai and Chet taking control of the offense finally is just… pic.twitter.com/E3o4gwEIbk
— TND 🎅🏼 (@ThunderND) November 20, 2023
I’m confused. I was told for all of the last two off seasons that guys like Deandre Ayton would just post up Chet and pulverize him into dust down low.
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) November 20, 2023
not many bigs in the league that have better touch than Chet.
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) November 20, 2023
so impressive.
Like this sequence from Chet Holmgren, really shows his feel on both ends of the floor. Does his job defensively, quick decisions offensively. Hits you with pick and pop 3 and then drives as the trail big the next time. pic.twitter.com/QXsJ2vFWMS
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) November 20, 2023
Isaiah Joe might *never* miss a three again
— Kade Kimble (@kadekimble) November 20, 2023
So, this Thunder might be a lot better than anticipated
— Ivan White (@ivanbball13) November 20, 2023
I think the low usage Chet from the beginning of the season is long gone now lol 😂
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) November 20, 2023
The OKC Thunder pulled off a historic first-half against Portland on getaway day, and a strong second half will leave the Thunder with a perfect road trip and a couple of days off before taking on the disarray Chicago Bulls.