During Sunday’s NBA action, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their strength with a 124-93 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, maintaining their top position in the Western Conference standings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points and six assists, only playing three quarters due to the comfortable lead Oklahoma City established early on. Rookie Cason Wallace impressed with a season-high 22 points, while Josh Giddey contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
“They got guys fighting for contracts, fighting for minutes, and that’s a dangerous team to play,” Giddey said, emphasizing the team’s focused approach. “And I thought we did a good job of playing the game, not the opponent.”
The game did have a downside for the Thunder as Jalen Williams, the team’s No. 2 scorer, exited in the second quarter with a sprained right ankle, with his condition to be evaluated the following morning.
Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies struggled without key players, including star guard Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Rookie GG Jackson II stood out for Memphis with a season-high 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. The Grizzlies’ injury woes have forced them to use 38 different starting lineups this season, presenting continuous challenges in terms of chemistry and consistency on the court.
“Yeah, it’s a challenge,” admitted Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. “You’ve got to accept it. You’ve got to accept the reality. I mean, every game’s a different starting lineup, different depth, who’s in and who’s out. It’s a challenge, but these guys go and they compete hard. Trying to find chemistry is definitely a challenge. But we’re putting the work in. Tonight just wasn’t our game and we’ll be better on Tuesday.”
The Thunder’s explosive start was crucial, with a 38-24 lead by the end of the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. “I mean, you see games every night in the NBA where a team’s banged up or a team with a lesser record knocks off a team with a better record,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “And so I never take for granted when we give that kind of energy output. And it was from the jump.”
Oklahoma City’s performance was a testament to their depth and determination, with contributions from multiple players leading to a significant lead that was never challenged by the Grizzlies.
More must-reads: