Oklahoma City Thunder Overcomes Memphis Grizzlies with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Performance

In Memphis, Tennessee, the Oklahoma City Thunder found themselves in a prime position to sweep the Memphis Grizzlies, even though MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not performing at his usual level in the initial trio of games.

However, in Saturday’s decisive Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the occasion, closing the game with an impressive 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting, leading the Thunder to a narrow 117-115 victory which ultimately knocked the Grizzlies out of contention.

“He didn’t really change his game,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “It just seemed like he found his rhythm.”

Despite shooting only 35.3% in the series’ first three contests—the least effective three-game stretch of his season—the Thunder still dominated the Grizzlies at home and managed to overcome a significant 29-point gap in Game 3 on Memphis’ court.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who topped the regular season in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game on 51.9% accuracy, commenced Saturday by hitting his first seven shots, totaling 16 points in the opening quarter.

“I’m impressed by how I’ve managed to stay consistent,” confessed Gilgeous-Alexander, who also recorded five rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the series-clinching victory. “Previously, I’d have likely dialed back the aggression. I’ve progressed in that aspect this year, which I’m proud of. My focus isn’t on the results but on developing mentally. I think I’ve grown in that regard, and it paid off tonight.

“Before, I might’ve retreated from the pressure, considering my shooting direction. But I’ve matured mentally. It’s been a season-long journey of growth for me, playing into my favor when the stakes were high.”

Jalen Williams, a newcomer to the All-Star lineup, was a consistent force throughout the series, averaging 23.3 points and 5.3 assists, culminating in a 23-point, five-assist performance in Game 4.

Even with a lackluster 7-of-35 display from three-point range on Saturday, the Thunder relied on the dynamic efforts of Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, combined with a tenacious defensive effort. Oklahoma City forced Memphis into 22 turnovers, converting these mistakes into 32 points, assisting their victory despite the absence of Memphis’ star point guard Ja Morant, sidelined by a left hip injury.

This aggressive defensive strategy was a hallmark of the series, marking the second consecutive year Oklahoma City swept their first-round opponent. Throughout the four games, the Thunder capitalized on turnovers, scoring 103 points off Memphis errors.

This performance from Oklahoma City’s staunch defense was expected since they boasted the NBA’s top-ranked defense and led the league with 21.8 points off turnovers during the regular season.

While Gilgeous-Alexander’s three-game shooting slump was unforeseen, his teammates were quick to defend his overall contribution, dismissing any notion of subpar performance until the final game.

“He had an incredible series,” proclaimed Oklahoma City’s power forward/center Chet Holmgren. “Shai made all the right decisions, trusted the team—beneficial for me, Williams, and everyone. That’s his style, and it won’t change. When he hits those shots at a high rate, you’ll be back here, asking me about his extraordinary night.”

Next, the Thunder will face off against the winner of the Denver Nuggets-LA Clippers matchup.