On Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive run as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 41 points, leading his team to a 120-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. The win marked the Thunder's fifth consecutive victory and their seventh win out of their last eight games, solidifying their claim to the top seed in the Western Conference.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance not only showcased his scoring prowess but also underscored his ability to carry the team following his previous outing where he dropped 51 points against the Houston Rockets. The star guard shot 14-of-25 from the field and added eight assists to his remarkable tally, providing the Thunder with the offensive spark they needed against the Grizzlies.
"We've been talking about it," said guard Lu Dort, reflecting on the Thunder's recent performances. "All-Star break was a break. Everybody felt good about themselves and it just happened like there were games where it took us to get the car back on the road. Tonight was a good one. We know it's our standard, and it was brought up at every meeting we had."
While the Thunder were firing on all cylinders, Memphis struggled to find their rhythm. Ja Morant returned from injury to lead the Grizzlies with 24 points, but his performance was hampered by shooting just 8-of-22 from the field. Desmond Bane and Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in with 15 points each, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s dominance.
Memphis started strong, taking the lead early as they distributed the ball effectively within the first half. Bane and Vince Williams Jr. contributed significantly, but the momentum shifted midway through the second quarter when Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins was assessed a technical foul. The Thunder capitalized on this opportunity, with Gilgeous-Alexander hitting the free throw, followed by late three-pointers from Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe, which saw Oklahoma City leading 61-55 at halftime.
"That was definitely the turning point," said head coach Mark Daigneault. "Our defensive pressure forced them to commit turnovers, and it got us off to the right start after the break." Throughout the game, the Thunder generated considerable pressure, forcing Memphis to make 15 turnovers, leading to 17 points for Oklahoma City.
The second half saw the Thunder pull away quickly, opening up the third quarter with a 9-0 run led by Gilgeous-Alexander. This run was part of the larger 14-2 spurt midway through the same quarter, allowing the Thunder to morph their slim three-point lead to as much as 15 points, leaving Memphis scrambling.
By the end of the third quarter, Oklahoma City held firm with a comfortable 91-78 lead and maintained it throughout the final period. The Thunder's defensive strategy under pressure resulted in the Grizzlies scoring just 48 points after halftime, showing the marked improvement the Thunder had achieved since their own struggles post-All-Star break.
Isaiah Hartenstein played a pivotal role beyond just scoring, contributing 10 points and securing 15 rebounds, which was instrumental against the Grizzlies' attempts at closing the gap. Jalen Williams also made his presence felt, notched 20 points, including several key three-pointers to maintain momentum for the Thunder.
Following the victory, the Thunder will be returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, 2025, which is going to be the first game of three consecutive home fixtures.
The Grizzlies, who have now lost four straight games, will visit the Dallas Mavericks the same night, desperately seeking to turn around their season. Memphis has been consistent on the brink of defeats, with the last three games decided by narrow margins, pushing the team’s frustrations to new heights.
While the Thunder prepare to bask in their winning streak, the Grizzlies need to regroup and rethink their strategy heading forward. Head coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the need for adjustment. "We have to find ways to close games more effectively. The turnovers and shooting percentages have to improve if we want to be contenders. We can't afford these late-game mistakes."The postAll-Star break slump for Memphis has been glaring, as reflected by their game averages and recent results. They’ve made efforts to maintain competitive spirit, but the reality is setting in. The Thunder, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on their momentum—an energy reflected across the board as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to meet expectations directly correlates with the team's success.