By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 22:51 EST, 7 March 2025 | Updated: 22:51 EST, 7 March 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Aaron Wiggins scored 30 points, Jaylin Williams had his first career triple-double, and the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-89 on Friday night with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench.
Gilgeous-Alexander was held out for rest, missing just his second game this season. The Thunder were also without Chet Holmgren (lower right leg contusion) and Isaiah Hartenstein (broken nose).
They still had more than enough to win their sixth straight game. The Blazers got within two points midway through the fourth quarter, but Williams and Wiggins responded with 3-pointers and the Thunder cruised from there.
Williams finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Alex Caruso scored 17 points, and Isaiah Joe and Ousmane Dieng had 16 apiece.
Scoot Henderson scored 22 points and Shaedon Sharpe added 19 for the Blazers.
Trail Blazers: F Jerami Grant returned after missing four games with tendinitis in his right knee.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins, left, looks to shoot against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's leading scorer at 32.8 points per game, earned his rest by scoring 51 points Monday night against Houston and 41 points Wednesday night at Memphis.
Williams hit a midrange jumper as the shot clock expired with 4:21 remaining to make it 95-85.
Oklahoma City held an opponent under 90 points for the first time since November.
The Thunder will complete a three-game homestand with back-to-back games against Denver on Sunday and Monday. The Blazers host Detroit on Sunday.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander watches from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) looks to shoot over Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
From left to right, Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, forward Chet Holmgren, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forward Jalen Williams, center Branden Carlson and guard Alex Caruso react on the bench after a Thunder basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) looks to shoot over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Dillon Jones (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams, top right, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, bottom left, try to grab the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) looks to shoot between Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) looks to score next to Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)