Trail Blazers Hand Thunder First Loss as NBA Champions Fall on Dramatic Night Across the League

The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off one of the early surprises of the NBA season, defeating defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119 on Wednesday night at Moda Center to hand them their first loss of the campaign. Deni Avdija led the charge with a near triple-double — 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists — as Portland rallied from a 22-point first-quarter deficit to snatch a memorable victory.

Jrue Holiday scored 22 points while Jerami Grant added 20 off the bench for the Trail Blazers, who didn’t take their first lead until midway through the fourth quarter. The Thunder, previously unbeaten through eight games, leaned on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points and nine rebounds, but fell just short in the closing seconds.

Oklahoma City nearly forced overtime when Isaiah Joe was fouled with 0.6 seconds left, but his foot was on the three-point line, limiting him to two free throws. Joe made the first and missed the second intentionally, only for the tip-in attempt to fail, sealing Portland’s upset win.

In Los Angeles, Luka Doncic powered the Lakers to a 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, extending their winning streak to five games. Doncic posted 35 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, supported by Deandre Ayton’s 22-point, 10-rebound performance. The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama tallied 19 points but fouled out late as San Antonio’s rally fell short.

Russell Westbrook added another chapter to his illustrious career, recording his 204th triple-double with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists as Sacramento edged Golden State 121-116. DeMar DeRozan contributed 25 points for the Kings, who overcame a 13-point halftime deficit. Rookie Will Richard shone for the short-handed Warriors with 30 points in his first career start.

Elsewhere, Jaylen Brown’s 35 points led the Boston Celtics to a commanding 136-107 win over Washington, capitalizing on 19 Wizards turnovers. Donovan Mitchell exploded for a season-high 46 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 132-121, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns helped the New York Knicks remain perfect at home with a 137-114 triumph over Minnesota.

In Denver, Nikola Jokic dominated again with 33 points, 16 assists, and 15 rebounds as the Nuggets defeated Miami 122-112 to stay unbeaten at home. The Detroit Pistons continued their strong form, downing Utah 114-103 behind Cade Cunningham’s 31 points and 10 assists.

Michael Porter Jr. lifted Brooklyn to its first win in Indianapolis with 32 points in a 112-103 victory over the Pacers, while Amen Thompson’s 28-point double-double powered the Houston Rockets to a fifth straight win, beating Memphis 124-109.

Capping the night, Saddiq Bey’s 22 points led New Orleans to a 101-99 win over Dallas, securing back-to-back victories for the Pelicans despite the absence of injured star Zion Williamson.