Thunder Slam Door On Grizzlies, Eye Bigger Prize

The Oklahoma City Thunder — the NBA’s youngest team — completed a first-round sweep Saturday, edging the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

The Thunder, the No. 1 seed out West, rolled through the series by showing different gears. They blew out Memphis in the opener, erased a 29-point deficit in Game 3, and clawed through 15 lead changes in Game 4.

Most Valuable Player finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saved his best for the closeout. After struggling from long range early in the series, he attacked inside and hit 13-of-24 shots, finishing with 38 points.

First-time All-Star Jalen Williams continues to rise, Chet Holmgren has sharpened his shooting, and veteran guard Alex Caruso has bolstered Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense. On paper, the Thunder have everything — except a deep playoff résumé.

Last year’s top seed couldn’t get past Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks. This year’s team looks better equipped.

Oklahoma City posted a league-best 12.7 net rating during the regular season, ranking top-10 in both offense and defense. The Thunder defend the perimeter and the paint, force fouls, and get to the free-throw line — ranking sixth in attempts per game.

The Thunder now await the winner between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, two teams that pose very different challenges. Oklahoma City split with Denver and swept the Clippers in the regular season.

Still, the Thunder look ready. As Gilgeous-Alexander calmly buried a step-back jumper late to seal Saturday’s win, he held up two fingers walking back to the bench, a quiet nod that the second round awaits.