Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from Game 5 loss vs. Blazers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from stunning Game 5 loss vs. Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Paul George #13, Russell Westbrook #0, and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high-five during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Five Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Oklahoma City Thunder saw their season come to an end with a crushing 118-115 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of their first round playoff series. Here are the biggest takeaways from this devastating defeat.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were facing a 3-1 deficit heading into Game 5 of their first round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers. If they could squeak out a victory Tuesday night, they would live to see another day.

If they failed to do so, they would suffer yet another first round playoff exit. As one would expect from a team fighting to keep its season alive, the Thunder did not go away quietly.

In fact, despite 34 first half points from Damian Lillard, the Thunder trailed by just one point at the break. Although the contest eventually became a game of runs, the teams were tied at 115 with just a few seconds left in regulation.

As he was able to do for most of the game, Lillard was one step ahead and he eventually helped the Blazers come out on top, 118-115, with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. With the win, Portland finally advanced past the first round after suffering first round sweeps in each of the last two years.

Unfortunately for the Thunder, this loss meant another postseason run coming to an abrupt end. So without further delay, here’s a look at the three biggest takeaways from OKC’s crushing Game 5 loss.