In a commanding performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their 11th consecutive victory, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 130-106. The game, which showcased two Western Conference leaders, saw the Thunder take a dominant lead before halftime, significantly outscoring the Grizzlies in the second quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored an impressive 35 points, making 14 of his 19 shots, and contributed with seven assists, six rebounds, and four blocks. The Thunder's rookie, Ajay Mitchell, added 17 points, while Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Williams chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Oklahoma City established a strong presence in the paint, outscoring Memphis 56-36.
The Grizzlies, missing key players including star Ja Morant and rookie Zach Edey, struggled offensively, finishing with a shooting percentage of just 38.1%. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points, but Jaren Jackson Jr., the team's leading scorer, was held to only 13 points on a poor shooting night. Despite starting strong with a 9-0 lead, Memphis could not maintain their momentum as they fell behind, allowing the Thunder to capitalize on turnovers and extend their lead significantly.
The game highlighted Oklahoma City's defensive prowess, with nine blocked shots compared to Memphis's struggles in scoring. The Thunder's ability to convert 21 turnovers from the Grizzlies into 33 points proved crucial in securing the win. As the Thunder prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves, they continue to solidify their position at the top of the Western Conference.
