The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their red-hot start to the NBA season with a commanding 122-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, marking their ninth consecutive win. The triumph pushed their record to an extraordinary 17-1, solidifying their position at the top of the league standings.
After suffering their only loss of the season to Portland on November 5, the Thunder have since been unstoppable, winning by an average margin of 22.3 points per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led from the front, posting a dominant all-around performance with 37 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
Despite limited scoring from the rest of the starting lineup, Oklahoma City’s bench delivered a massive boost. Ajay Mitchell was flawless from the field, scoring 20 points, while the reserves combined for 61 points—matching the starters’ total output. The result showcased the team’s depth and balance, two key factors in their early-season success.
In Toronto, the Raptors maintained their winning momentum by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 119-109 for their seventh straight victory. A collective effort defined the game, with eight of ten players scoring in double figures. Scottie Barnes led the charge with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and two steals, highlighting his growing influence as an all-around star.
Toronto’s win not only extended their streak to seven but also marked their 11th victory in the last 12 games after a sluggish start to the season. The Raptors became the first team to book a spot in the NBA Cup quarter-finals, underlining their resurgence in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Utah Jazz 108-106 to notch their fourth straight win. Luka Doncic spearheaded the Lakers’ attack with a near triple-double—33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists—while Austin Reaves added a valuable 22 points and ten rebounds.
LeBron James made his road debut in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season after missing preseason action due to sciatica. He played 35 minutes, contributing 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds to help secure the narrow win.
The Jazz battled hard behind Keyonte George’s 27 points and Lauri Markkanen’s consistent play, but they fell short, dropping their tenth loss in thirteen games.
With the Thunder flying high, the Raptors surging, and the Lakers finding form, the early part of the NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling contest of momentum and depth across conferences.
