Opponents paint a portrait of one of the NBA’s up-and-coming defenders so convincing that they are open about wanting him on their team.

The Portland Trail Blazers left the Moda Center Sunday disappointed that they couldn’t pull out a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they were still pleased with their overall effort against the NBA’s top team. The impressive play of forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara was at the heart of the Blazers’ performance during the 118-108 loss.

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-108 Sunday evening — in the only NBA game of the day. Oklahoma City has won 15 straight games against Portland dating back to April 2021 and snapped the Trail Blazers' four-game winning streak.