Oklahoma City Loses Second Straight

The Thunder led early, but couldn't hold off the fast-paced Portland offense.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:38 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 12, 2010 10:25 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

PORTLAND, Oregon -- Oklahoma City suffered another second-half meltdown and lost to Portland 103-95, its fourth loss in five games and guaranteeing Oklahoma City eighth place in the West.

The Thunder had ball control issues early, which led to a four-point deficit early in the game. Marcus Camby and Andre Miller played a big part in the Traiblazers early lead, each shooting 3-4 in the first quarter.

Oklahoma City started to attack the basket in the opening quarter and used that to string together a 10-0 run in the final three minutes of the quarter to take a 28-22 lead.

The Trailblazers took a timeout two minutes into the second quarter, and answered Oklahoma City with an 8-2 run to cut the lead to four points. The Thunder responded with a 6-4 run, including four from Serge Ibaka to expand the lead back to 48-36.

Fast break points were key to the Oklahoma City’s second quarter offensive production. Ten of the Thunder’s 23 second-quarter points came off of the fast break.

Kevin Durant led all scorers in the first half with 21 points, on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Ibaka contributed five points and five rebounds in his 11 minutes after coming off of the bench.

Miller and Camby both scored 13 for the Trailblazers, picking up for the loss of normal offensive leader Brandon Roy, who missed the game with a knee injury.

Oklahoma City was plagued by turnovers and poor shots early in the second quarter, allowing Portland to string together a 10-0 run to start the third. Both teams traded 3-point shots and 3-point plays, until a missed dunk by Russell Westbrook allowed Camby to convert on another 3-point play to tie the game at 61.

The Thunder missed free throws allowing Portland to take a lead with three minutes left in the quarter. Oklahoma City tied the game up, but Jerryd Bayless dribbled the entire floor and hit his first shot of the game as time expired to take a 73-71 lead.

Jeff Green sparked the Thunder in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, scoring eight in a 10-4 Oklahoma City run to take an 80-77 lead.

Portland broke away with the game tied at 6:11, going on a 15-2 run to take a 100-88 lead with 2:31 left in the game.

Oklahoma City had a few chances to pull it close late, but turnovers closed the window.

Durant finished the game with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists. Westbrook continued to struggle, only scoring 11, turning the ball overfour times and not dishing out a single assist.

Camby scored a season-high 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Miller scored 22 and recorded seven assists.

Oklahoma City is now guaranteed a first-round matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have also struggled as of late. The Thunder closes out the regular season Wednesday in the Ford Center against Memphis..