The Oklahoma City Thunder (13-14) did the unthinkable on Wednesday night. After trailing the Memphis Grizzlies (10-18) by 9 at halftime, OKC allowed Memphis to go on a 12-0 run to start the third quarter and blow the game wide open.
The Grizzlies led by as many as 24 in the third, but somehow the Thunder managed to get right back into it and finish the period on a 23-9 run—capped by an incredible 7 points scored in the final 35 seconds—to cut the Memphis lead to 7 headed into the final frame.
With all the momentum on their side, the Thunder continued the rally and took the lead fewer than 4 minute into the fourth quarter, but the comeback was not yet complete. The Grizzlies fought back, and the lead was exchanged several more times before Dennis Schröder was finally able to seal the win with 4 late free throws, giving OKC the 126-122 win over Memphis.
Stop the Slow Starts
For the first time in 20 years in the NBA, a team managed to comeback from 24+ points in consecutive games to win both. Stats like this are cool and all, but it’d be great if the Thunder did not start the game right out of the gate down by double digits.
Oklahoma City is clearly outperforming preseason expectations, which is great for Thunder fans, but we all know this is not the end game. The Thunder wants to get back to championship contention, and while that is likely at least a few seasons away minimum, it does not mean they shouldn’t start building good habits now.
The Thunder has had a tendency in past seasons of slow starts, whether it be for the game or in the second half. Either way, OKC needs to play with more energy, and not just when placed in tough situations.
How Much Longer Can Schröder Last in OKC?
Dennis Schröder is one of three points guards wearing a Thunder jersey this season. While he is probably third on the depth chart, OKC is typically playing two point guards at a time, if not all three at the same time. With all that being said, Schröder has probably had the best season so far.
Coming off the bench has been a good play for Schröder, and with the way he’s been performing over the last few weeks, he’s definitely earned his way into the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year conversation. As he’s continued to play well both as an individual scorer and as a teammate getting others involved, the question that now exists is just how long is he going to last in OKC?
Prior to the season, a lot of people had Schröder picked as a guy who would be moved to a contending team looking for a solid backup point guard. It’s been “open season” on the trade market for nearly a week now, but nothing has happened.
Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has been tight-lipped, as usual, but the general feeling is that OKC is fine with standing pat and playing with who they’ve got to finish out the season. If Schröder stays, OKC will continue to have a solid 6th man, but if a contender comes calling with the right package, he could definitely be moved prior to the February 6th trade deadline.
Friday Night Fun
Next up for OKC is another home game. This time, the Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns (11-16), who are going through a bit of a rough stretch. Since starting the season 6-3, the Suns have lost 13 of their last 18, and they have not won a game on the road against a team currently in a playoff position.
Tip-off for that game is at 7 PM, and it be televised on Fox Sports Oklahoma. It will also be broadcast on the radio at WWLS 98.1 FM.
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