IT'S PAYBACK TIME FOR THE FIERY THUNDER

NBA champs return to scene of Portland's offence against them: season's lone defeat

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have exploded out of the gate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with a lava-hot 19-1 start.

The lone blemish came in Portland on Nov 5 when the Thunder blew a 22-point lead and lost 121-119 to hosts Trail Blazers.

Oklahoma City return to the scene of that defeat on Nov 30 (Dec 1, Singapore time) when they play Portland and attempt to stretch their latest winning streak to 12 games.

The defending NBA champions are off to the best start since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors won their first 20 games en route to a 73-9 record and a Finals appearance. The Thunder are the fifth team in league history to start 19-1 or better.

Oklahoma City notched victory No. 19 on Nov 28 when they beat the visiting Phoenix Suns 123-119 to finish 4-0 in NBA Cup West Group A and advance to the knockout phase.

“Good job to the team,” reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said afterwards. “One step closer to winning the in-season tournament, the Cup. One step in the right direction.