CJ McCollum led the Blazers with 30 points on 5-of-10 shooting from behind the three-point arc, while Maurice Harkless added a season-high 20 points and career-high 16 rebounds in Tuesday’s winning effort. Point guard Damian Lillard chipped in 22 points and eight assists as the Blazers swept the season series versus the Kings.
Portland and Oklahoma City have met three times prior to Wednesday this season, with the home team claiming victory in each encounter. In the only matchup at Moda Center, Damian Lillard scored 17 points in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter to lead the home team to a 103-95 come-from-behind win — beginning a stretch that would see the Blazers win 18 of their next 22 games, a run that would be bested only by the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs in that span.
Wednesday's duel could be a potential playoff preview as Portland currently occupies sixth place in the Western Conference, while Oklahoma City is locked into the third seed with just over a week left in the season. The Trail Blazers are a half game back of the Memphis Grizzlies in the fifth slot in the postseason picture, and if the standings remain the same at season's end, Portland would face Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs. Surpassing Memphis would result in a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Blazers can clinch a playoff berth with a win Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers and Thunder tip-off at 7:00 pm on KGW and Rip City Radio 620. Fans can also listen via the Trail Blazer mobile app.