During the Oklahoma City Thunder’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday afternoon, a concerning moment unfolded as Thunder centre Bismack Biyombo collapsed near the team’s bench at the Moda Center in Portland.
During the first half of the Thunder’s eventual 128-120 triumph over the Trail Blazers, Biyombo unexpectedly took a few steps backwards and seemingly fainted near the Thunder’s bench. Prompt calls for assistance rang out from his teammates and those near.
Following a brief period on the ground, Biyombo managed to rise to his feet and exit the court unaided. Although the Trail Blazers’ medical staff swiftly assessed him and ruled out any serious medical issues, the Thunder opted to exercise caution and kept him out of the remainder of the game for further evaluation. It’s noteworthy that Biyombo had yet to enter the game at the time of his collapse.
Bismack Biyombo, a seasoned veteran in his 13th NBA season, initially began the campaign with the Memphis Grizzlies, featuring in 30 games before being waived ahead of the trade deadline. Subsequently, the Thunder acquired him late last month. Throughout the season, Biyombo has averaged 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds across 34 total games, showcasing his versatility on the court.
Despite the unsettling incident, the Thunder secured an eight-point victory in Portland, propelled by stellar performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Notably, the team exhibited impressive shooting prowess, collectively registering over 58% accuracy from the field.
On the opposing end, Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers’ offensive efforts with 29 points and five assists, while Jerami Grant and Duop Reath contributed significantly to the scoring output. However, the loss marks Portland’s second consecutive defeat, leaving them with a modest 17-44 record for the season.
With two wins in their last four outings, the Thunder find themselves in a favorable position tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference at 43-19. They’ll aim to maintain their momentum as they return home for a four-game homestand, commencing with a matchup against the Miami Heat on Friday.
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