----- Chris Paul scores 30 points and dishes out seven assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder top the Portland Trail Blazers 119-106 Saturday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder and Blazers battled Saturday night in Oklahoma City, but all of the action took place hours before tip off.
According to multiple reports on Saturday afternoon, the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to trade Anthony Tolliver, Kent Bazemore, and two future second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swannigan, and Wenyen Gabriel.
As a result, the Blazers were severely short handed for their game against the Thunder. Both Tolliver and Bazemore were not with the team as a result of the trade while CJ McCollum missed the game with a sprained left ankle.
The Blazers had eight players available for the game with Nassir Little and Anfernee Simons joining Damian Lillard, Hassan Whiteside, and Carmelo Anthony in the starting lineup.
The deal most likely will not get finalized until Tuesday meaning the Blazers will once again be short handed Monday night against the Warriors.
The Thunder took advantage of the Blazers limited roster by building an early lead, attacking the paint, and getting to the free throw line.
Chris Paul led OKC (24-19) with 30 points and seven assists, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points, and both Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel each scored 15 points off the bench.
Damian Lillard led Portland (18-26) with 34 points and Gary Trent Jr. celebrated his 21st birthday by scoring a career-high 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers return home to meet the Golden State Warriors Monday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- "Calgon, Take Me Away."