----- Chris Paul scores 20 points and Dennis Schroder adds 21 off the bench as the Oklahoma City Thunder down the Portland Trail Blazers 108-96 Sunday night at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers early season struggles continued Sunday night at Moda Center.
Chris Paul scored 20 points and Dennis Schroder added 21 points off the bench as the Oklahoma City Thunder topped the Portland Trail Blazers 108-96.
The Thunder took control of the game early leading by as much as 18-points in the first half.
“Obviously, the last time we came here we were really beat handily, from start to finish. We did get it back to nine, but we never really were in control of the game, constantly fighting an uphill battle," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said, recalling the 136-119 loss n Nov. 26. “It was good that we were able to come into a tough place and play and find a way to win the game."
The Thunder defense harassed Portland into a season low in points scored and shooting percentage. The Blazers connected on just 36% of their shots and made just 9-of-33 from three-point range.
“I think we kind of just play well in stretches, and we don't really have the luxury of playing well in stretches. We're a team that if the ball's not going in, we gotta be getting to the 50-50 balls, we can't be letting teams get second and third opportunities. We foul every 30 seconds," Lillard said. "I mean we are are doing a lot of things as a team that are putting us at a disadvantage.”
Lillard led Portland (9-15) with 26 points, CJ McCollum added 20, and Hassan Whiteside recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers finish the four-game home-stand Tuesday night at Moda Center against the New York Knicks. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Injuries have derailed the season. #Pray