Thunder's dominant New Year's Eve victory over the Blazers showcased their suffocating defense and explosive offense, hinting at championship aspirations.
The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off another victory on New Year’s Eve to close out 2025 on a strong note. Despite a bit of a cold streak before and around Christmas, Oklahoma City is starting to look like the team that opened the season 24-1 and was on a record-setting pace, taking care of business against a Portland Trail Blazers squad that already beat the Thunder once this season.
This one was over early. Oklahoma City led 73-55 at halftime, kept its foot on the gas in the third quarter, and the fourth quarter was mostly bench minutes in a 124-95 win.
The Thunder shot 48.9% from the field and imposed its will defensively, piling up 10 blocks and 15 steals. The biggest separator was the chaos Oklahoma City created defensively. Portland committed 25 turnovers, and the Thunder turned those mistakes into 28 points, which is exactly what this team does best when it’s playing with edge and energy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in just 28 minutes, sitting the entire fourth quarter yet again. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren combined for 25 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists, while Ajay Mitchell was a welcome sight back in the lineup, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Isaiah Joe and Lu Dort knocked down nine threes between them, stretching the floor and opening up driving lanes for Oklahoma City’s creators. Portland didn’t have a single 20-point scorer, with Sidy Cissoko leading the way at 19.
Next up, the Thunder will try to carry that momentum into 2026 with their first game of the new year on Friday, a road matchup against the Golden State Warriors.