The story of the Oklahoma City Thunder began in Seattle as the SuperSonics. Their rivalry with the Portland Trail Blazers stretches back to those early days, although the intensity arguably amplified after the team’s relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008.
The Formative Years (Seattle SuperSonics Era):
Even before the Thunder’s inception, the SuperSonics and the Trail Blazers had a history in the Northwest Division. These matchups, while part of the broader NBA landscape, often carried regional significance for fans in the Pacific Northwest. Players like Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis for Seattle, and Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace for Portland, led their respective teams in memorable clashes. While not always playoff contenders simultaneously, the proximity and shared division ensured frequent and often competitive games.
The Rise of the Thunder and the Brandon Roy Blazers:
With the move to Oklahoma City, a new chapter began. The Thunder, spearheaded by young talents like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, quickly became a rising force in the Western Conference. Simultaneously, the Portland Trail Blazers, featuring the incredibly gifted but injury-plagued Brandon Roy, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, were also establishing themselves as a team to watch.
The matchups during this period were often thrilling, showcasing the offensive firepower of both sides. Durant’s scoring prowess was a constant challenge for Portland, while Roy’s brilliance, when healthy, could single-handedly swing games. These games often had a youthful energy, with two of the league’s most promising young cores battling it out.
Key Moments and Games:
Early Durant vs. Roy Battles: Games featuring high-scoring duels between Durant and Roy were always highly anticipated. Both players possessed an uncanny ability to score in various ways, making their head-to-head matchups a treat for basketball fans.
The Emergence of Westbrook and Harden: As Westbrook and Harden developed into All-Star caliber players, the Thunder’s offensive attack became even more dynamic, posing new challenges for the Trail Blazers’ defense.
Portland’s Resilience Despite Injuries: The Trail Blazers, despite numerous injuries to key players like Roy and Greg Oden, often managed to put up strong fights against the Thunder, showcasing their depth and coaching.
The Damian Lillard Era and Playoff Clashes (2012-Present)
The landscape of the rivalry shifted with the departure of James Harden from Oklahoma City and the unfortunate decline of Brandon Roy’s career due to injuries. However, a new star emerged in Portland: Damian Lillard. This era saw a significant intensification of the Thunder-Blazers rivalry, marked by playoff matchups and individual brilliance.
Damian Lillard’s Arrival and the Westbrook-Durant Thunder:
Damian Lillard entered the league in 2012 and quickly established himself as a clutch performer and a leader for the Trail Blazers. His scoring ability, deep three-point range, and unwavering confidence made him a constant thorn in the side of the Thunder.
During this time, the Thunder, led by the dynamic duo of Durant and Westbrook, were consistently among the top teams in the West. Regular-season games between these two teams were often high-stakes, with playoff seeding implications.
The 2016 Western Conference Semifinals:
The rivalry reached a new level in the 2016 Western Conference Semifinals. The Thunder, with Durant and Westbrook at their peak, faced a Trail Blazers team led by Lillard and CJ McCollum. This series was hard-fought and full of dramatic moments.
Game 1 (Oklahoma City): The Thunder took the opener with a strong performance.
Game 2 (Oklahoma City): The Trail Blazers responded with a victory, fueled by a strong offensive showing from Lillard and McCollum.
Game 3 (Portland): The Thunder regained the series lead with a win on the road.
Game 4 (Portland): The Trail Blazers evened the series in a close-fought contest.
Game 5 (Oklahoma City): The Thunder pulled ahead again, putting the Blazers on the brink of elimination.
Game 6 (Portland): In a pivotal Game 6 in Portland, Damian Lillard delivered a masterful performance, scoring 32 points and leading the Trail Blazers to a series-tying victory. This game is often remembered for Lillard’s clutch shots and his intensity.
Ultimately, the Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 7 at home, advancing to the Western Conference Finals. This series was a defining moment in the rivalry, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of both teams and the emergence of Lillard as a true superstar.
The Post-Durant Era and Lillard’s Dominance:
Following Kevin Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City in the summer of 2016, the dynamic of the rivalry shifted again. Russell Westbrook carried the Thunder, winning an MVP award in the 2016-2017 season. The Trail Blazers, still led by Lillard and McCollum, continued to be a consistent playoff team.
The 2019 Western Conference First Round:
The two teams met again in the first round of the 2019 Western Conference Playoffs. By this time, the Thunder’s roster had evolved, featuring Westbrook alongside Paul George. However, the Trail Blazers, with Lillard in his prime, were a formidable opponent.
This series is particularly memorable for Damian Lillard’s incredible performance in Game 5 in Portland. With the series tied 2-2, Lillard scored a career-high 50 points, including a buzzer-beating, step-back three-pointer over Paul George to win the game and the series for the Trail Blazers. This iconic shot became an instant legend and further cemented the rivalry between Lillard and the Thunder.
Key Themes of the Rivalry During the Lillard Era:
Clutch Performances: Games between the Thunder and the Trail Blazers during this period were often decided in the final moments, with both Lillard and Westbrook (and later George) showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Guard Play: The matchups often highlighted the stellar point guard play of Lillard and Westbrook, two of the most dynamic and competitive players in the league.
Playoff Intensity: The two playoff series in 2016 and 2019 were highly competitive and emotionally charged, further fueling the rivalry.
Individual Brilliance: Both teams featured star players capable of carrying their teams to victory with exceptional individual performances.
Recent Seasons and the Evolving Landscape (2020-Present)
In recent years, both the Thunder and the Trail Blazers have undergone significant roster changes and rebuilds. The Thunder traded away Westbrook and George, embarking on a youth movement centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Trail Blazers, while still built around Lillard, have also seen roster adjustments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the New-Look Thunder:
The matchups in recent seasons have featured the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder’s new franchise cornerstone. His growth into an All-Star caliber player has provided a new dynamic to the games against Portland.
The Trail Blazers’ Continued Reliance on Lillard:
Despite roster changes, the Trail Blazers have continued to rely heavily on Damian Lillard’s scoring and leadership. Games against the Thunder often see Lillard taking on a significant offensive burden.
Key Aspects of Recent Games:
Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Lillard: Matchups between these two dynamic guards are always a focal point, showcasing their contrasting styles and scoring abilities.
Youth Development: The Thunder’s focus on developing young talent provides an interesting contrast to the Trail Blazers’ veteran core.
Rebuilding Phases: Both teams have navigated periods of rebuilding and retooling, impacting the competitiveness of their matchups at times.
Fan Perspectives and Online Discussions
Online forums, social media, and platforms like YouTube often host discussions and highlight reels centered around the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers rivalry. Common themes and questions that emerge include:
The 2019 Game 5 Buzzer-Beater: Damian Lillard’s series-winning shot remains a frequent topic of discussion, with fans analyzing the play, the defense, and its significance in the rivalry.
Lillard vs. Westbrook/George Debates: Comparisons of Lillard’s performances against the Thunder teams led by Westbrook and later George are common, with fans debating who had the upper hand and in what aspects.
“What If” Scenarios: Fans often speculate about how the rivalry might have unfolded differently if Brandon Roy had remained healthy or if Kevin Durant had stayed in Oklahoma City.
Individual Player Matchups: Discussions about specific player matchups, such as Durant vs. Aldridge, Westbrook vs. Lillard, or Gilgeous-Alexander vs. McCollum (and later Anfernee Simons), generate considerable debate.
Playoff Series Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of the 2016 and 2019 playoff series, including key plays, coaching decisions, and individual performances, are popular topics.
The Future of the Rivalry: With both teams in different stages of their competitive cycles, fans often discuss the potential for future memorable matchups and playoff encounters.
“Clutch Gene” Comparisons: Both Damian Lillard and, at times, players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were known for their clutch performances. Fans often compare their abilities to deliver in high-pressure moments during their head-to-head matchups.
Respect and Antagonism: While a rivalry exists, there’s also often a level of respect between the fan bases and the players, acknowledging the talent on both sides. However, the competitive nature of the games, especially playoff contests, can lead to heated debates and playful antagonism online.
FAQs
What is the all-time head-to-head record between the Thunder and the Trail Blazers?
As of March 2025, the Thunder and Trail Blazers have faced each other 259 times in the regular season, with the Thunder leading 139–120. In the playoffs, they’ve met 21 times, with the Blazers holding a slight edge at 12–9.
When did the Thunder’s current winning streak against the Blazers begin?
The Thunder’s ongoing 16-game winning streak against the Blazers commenced on January 31, 2022, with a 98–81 victory. This streak includes multiple season sweeps and is the longest in the history of their rivalry.
What were the results of their matchups in the 2024–25 season?
In the 2024–25 regular season, the Thunder and Blazers clashed four times:
November 1, 2024: Thunder 137–114 Blazers
November 20, 2024: Thunder 109–99 Blazers
January 26, 2025: Thunder 118–108 Blazers
March 7, 2025: Thunder 107–89 Blazers
The Thunder emerged victorious in all four encounters.
Have the Thunder and Blazers had notable playoff series?
Yes, their most memorable playoff series occurred in 2019, when the Blazers defeated the Thunder 4–1 in the first round. The series concluded with Damian Lillard’s iconic 37-foot buzzer-beater, eliminating the Thunder and becoming a defining moment in NBA playoff history.
What is the largest margin of victory in their matchups?
The Thunder’s most significant win over the Blazers was a 62-point blowout, ending in a 139–77 scoreline on January 11, 2024.
Have there been any controversies in their recent games?
Yes, on March 7, 2025, the Thunder rested all five starters, including MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, against the Blazers. Despite this, they secured a 107–89 win. The NBA launched an investigation into potential violations of the league’s player participation policy.
Who have been standout performers in recent matchups?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental for the Thunder, leading the team with 35 points in their January 26, 2025, victory. Additionally, Aaron Wiggins scored 30 points in the March 7, 2025, game, showcasing the team’s depth.
How have the Blazers responded to the Thunder’s dominance?
The Blazers have struggled to counter the Thunder’s recent dominance, with their last victory against OKC dating back to January 2022. Despite efforts to rebuild and integrate new talent, they have yet to break the Thunder’s winning streak.
To conclude
The Thunder-Blazers rivalry has undergone significant transformations over the years. Initially characterized by fierce playoff battles and iconic moments, such as Damian Lillard’s series-clinching shot in 2019, the dynamic has shifted in recent seasons.
The Thunder’s current 16-game winning streak underscores their dominance in this matchup, reflecting strategic team building and consistent performance. Key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been pivotal in this success, delivering standout performances that have kept the Thunder ahead.
Conversely, the Blazers are in a phase of rebuilding, striving to develop young talent and reestablish their competitive edge. While they’ve faced challenges in recent matchups against the Thunder, the cyclical nature of sports suggests that dynamics can shift, and future seasons may bring renewed competitiveness to this rivalry.
In essence, the Thunder-Blazers timeline is a testament to the evolving nature of sports rivalries, marked by periods of dominance, rebuilding, and the ever-present potential for dramatic shifts. Fans of both teams can look forward to future encounters that may redefine this storied rivalry.
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