Thunder, showing their 'intensity,' begin two-night stay in Portland

The Oklahoma City Thunder begin a two-night stretch in Portland with Tuesday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers, carrying recent dominance into the first of two games in two nights. Oklahoma City went 3–1 versus Portland last season and has won 19 of the past 20 series meetings. The last Portland win in that span came despite a 22-point deficit, a 121–119 home game on Nov. 5, 2025. The Thunder also opened the current season strong, winning eight of 10, including victories of 128–97 over Memphis and 114–75 over Washington. Coach Mark Daigneault highlighted holding the Wizards to 29.6% shooting, including 7 of 43 from three. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and nine assists in 29 minutes. Portland, meanwhile, fell in consecutive games after starting 6–2, including losses 124–118 to the Lakers and 125–103 to San Antonio, where Victor Wembanyama scored 29 points. Portland trailed by as many as 35 in the Spurs’ win.