The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant season with a 125-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, securing their franchise-record 61st win and extending their winning streak to eight games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 37 points, six assists, and three rebounds on an efficient 15-of-25 shooting.
Jalen Williams returned to the lineup after a seven-game absence due to a hip injury and made an immediate impact, scoring 20 points. Isaiah Hartenstein added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. With the win, Oklahoma City (61-12) maintained its position as the best team in the Western Conference and remained two games ahead of Cleveland for the league’s best overall record with nine games left in the regular season.
The game was competitive through three quarters, with the Grizzlies refusing to go away quietly despite missing star guard Ja Morant, who sat out his sixth consecutive game with a strained hamstring. Memphis kept pace early behind Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 27 points, and Scotty Pippen Jr., who contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Memphis also benefitted from efficient free-throw shooting, hitting 22-of-23 from the line.
The Thunder led 63-59 at halftime after a tightly contested first half. Gilgeous-Alexander carried the offense early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter, while Pippen Jr. kept Memphis close with his own strong play. The teams traded baskets for much of the second quarter, with neither able to build much separation. However, Oklahoma City closed the half on a small surge, giving them a four-point cushion heading into the break.
The Thunder came out firing in the third quarter, opening the second half on an 8-0 run that forced a quick Memphis timeout. It looked like Oklahoma City was poised to pull away, but the Grizzlies responded well, cutting the deficit to just two points by the end of the period. The Thunder led 91-89 entering the fourth, setting up an intense final frame.
The fourth quarter belonged to Oklahoma City. Lu Dort nailed a critical three-pointer to break a 99-99 tie, followed by a Hartenstein dunk that pushed the Thunder’s lead to five. From there, Oklahoma City dominated, closing the game on a massive 28-5 run. Cason Wallace’s three-pointer stretched the lead to 112-99, and Hartenstein sealed the game with a pair of free throws. Oklahoma City’s defense also tightened, holding Memphis to just 5-of-19 shooting in the final period.
The Thunder’s depth was tested, as key reserves Alex Caruso (low back soreness) and Jaylin Williams (left hip stiffness) both left the game. However, Oklahoma City had more than enough firepower to overcome those absences. Dort’s defensive intensity played a crucial role in shutting down Memphis guard Desmond Bane, who was held to just three points on 1-of-12 shooting.
Takeaways
Thunder’s Depth Shines: Despite missing key reserves, Oklahoma City’s bench players stepped up. Hartenstein’s inside presence, Dort’s defensive effort, and Wallace’s clutch shooting helped push them over the top. Even with Williams and Wallace returning from injuries, they still made a strong impact on the court.
Fourth-Quarter Surge: The Thunder shot 13-of-23 from the field in the fourth quarter while limiting Memphis to just five made field goals. Their ability to close out games remains a defining trait of this dominant season. Oklahoma City’s defense forced multiple turnovers and contested shots, making it nearly impossible for Memphis to find any offensive rhythm late.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Case: With 37 points on efficient shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander continued to bolster his case for MVP. He has been the catalyst for the Thunder all season, and his ability to take over late in games is a major reason why Oklahoma City has the best record in the West.
Key Moment: Dort’s three-pointer to break the 99-99 tie in the fourth quarter sparked a game-changing run that Memphis could not recover from. Hartenstein followed up with a dunk, and from that point on, the Thunder never looked back.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Oklahoma City remains on track for a potential 70-win season, a mark only a few teams in NBA history have reached. The Thunder will look to continue their momentum when they host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. CT. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will try to bounce back against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Oklahoma City has been dominant throughout the season, but their recent form has been particularly impressive. Over their last eight games, they have outscored opponents by an average of 15 points per game. Their defense has tightened up significantly, and their offensive efficiency has been among the best in the league. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the Thunder are proving to be a legitimate championship contender.
For Memphis, the loss further solidifies what has been a difficult season plagued by injuries. Without Morant, the Grizzlies have struggled to find consistent offensive production. Jackson Jr. remains a bright spot, but without a true floor general, Memphis has had difficulty closing out games against elite opponents. The return of Morant will be crucial for the Grizzlies if they hope to make a late push for playoff positioning.
As Oklahoma City continues to chase history, each game becomes more significant. The Thunder have already secured the best record in the Western Conference, but with the league’s best overall record still up for grabs, they have no plans of slowing down. If they maintain their current level of play, they could enter the playoffs as one of the most formidable teams in recent memory.
The Thunder’s win over Memphis was yet another example of why they are one of the best teams in the NBA. With a combination of elite defense, efficient scoring, and strong depth, they have all the pieces necessary for a deep postseason run. As they continue to rack up wins, the question isn’t whether they’ll be contenders—it’s whether they can make history.
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