Grizzlies Make Massive Coaching Change After Thunder Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Restrepo | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 12:57 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant 2024-2025 NBA season with a commanding 125-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

This win marked their eighth consecutive triumph, and they set a new franchise record with 61 wins in a single season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an impressive 37 points, six assists, and three steals.

Jalen Williams, returning from a hip injury, contributed 20 points, bolstering Oklahoma City’s offensive prowess.

The Thunder’s defense was equally formidable, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 29 points, highlighting their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.

On the Grizzlies’ side, Jaren Jackson Jr. stood out with 27 points. Despite his efforts, Memphis struggled, particularly in the fourth quarter, where a 15-0 run by the Thunder sealed the game’s outcome.

This loss added to the Grizzlies’ recent challenges, causing them to slip to No. 5 in the Western Conference.

Grizzlies shake things up with a major coaching decision

In a surprising development following the game, the Memphis Grizzlies announced the dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Jenkins, who had been at the helm since 2019, led the team to a 44-29 record this season. The decision to part ways with Jenkins just before the playoffs has raised eyebrows across the league.

The Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2025

Jenkins’ tenure with the Grizzlies included a second-place finish in the 2022 Coach of the Year voting.

However, the team’s recent performance and early playoff exits may have contributed to the organization’s decision.

For the Thunder, this coaching change in Memphis could impact their playoff preparations. Most fans on X have shown their disbelief at the firing.

Jenkins is a popular coach among fans, and his tenure with the team has been more successful than a failing one. This raises the possibility of internal issues within the organization and the now-former head coach of Memphis.

Taylor Jenkins was called into the Grizzlies office this morning and was fired in person, sources tell ESPN. Stunning dismissal. Jenkins now becomes one of the top head coaching candidates for the upcoming cycle. He had a .539 winning percentage as Grizzlies coach. https://t.co/fKRG7MNY58
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2025