true ios true ios true android false computer $upper($url_encode($(QUERY_STRING{'bypassCountry'}))) NONE $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $(bpc) true true false The Editor's Corner: Portland Dominates Fourth, Takes Home Opener Versus Thunder | NBA.com
featured-image

The Editor's Corner: Portland Dominates Fourth, Takes Home Opener Versus Thunder

FIRST QUARTER

After jumping out to a quick 5-4 lead, including a rare 3-pointer from LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland went cold and Oklahoma City rattled off nine straight points to take a 13-5 lead. Aldridge put the Trail Blazers on his back, scoring 15 in the quarter and keeping Portland within striking distance heading into the second. Ten Portland players played in the quarter, including Steve Blake, Joel Freeland, CJ McCollum, Chris Kaman and Dorell Wright off the bench.

LEADERS THROUGH ONE

SECOND QUARTER

The Trail Blazers scored the first six points of the period to go ahead 35-34 at the 10-minute mark. A series of lead changes ensued for the better part of the period. Towards the end of the quarter, Portland's field goal percentage began to drop, allowing Russell Westbrook to get a head of steam on the break, which resulted in a plethora of free throws attempts for the all-star (13 in the first half). Damian Lillard was held scoreless in the half (0-for-5 FG) while picking up three fouls. Nicolas Batum was 0-for-4 in the half with three points. The second quarter came to a close with a pair of dunks from Wesley Matthews and Westbrook.

LEADERS THROUGH TWO

THIRD QUARTER

Lillard got off the schneid with his first bucket of the season, converting a three-point play at the 10:08 mark. However, just as the offense began to flow more feely, Lillard picked up his fourth foul, sending him to the bench for the majority of the period. Batum came alive in Dame's absence, scoring 10 in the quarter and adding a noticeable bounce to his step. He also moved over to guard Westbrook, but the all-star used on-ball screens to shake free and continue his scoring spree.

LEADERS THROUGH THREE

FOURTH QUARTER

The Trail Blazers began the fourth with a quick 8-0 run to go up 83-77, as Lillard found his groove and Westbrook finally cooled off. The lead jumped to double digits after a pair of 3-pointers from Dame and several defensive stops, allowing Portland to close the game with a level of confidence that wasn't on display for the first three quarters.

FINAL LEADERS

STOTTS POSTGAME

LINE OF THE NIGHT

PLAY OF THE NIGHT

TWEET OF THE NIGHT