The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, executed a stunning comeback to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-100 on Sunday. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, surged in the second half, scoring 22 of his 35 points to dismantle a 19-point Grizzlies' lead. Gulfshore Business detailed the MVP's performance, including his pivotal nine-point outburst within the final frame that solidified the Thunder's triumph.
Despite their sluggish start, the Thunder rallied behind Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Ajay Mitchell, who both contributed 21 points each, according to Action News 5. The team witnessed a significant turnaround after halftime, outscoring the Grizzlies 34-18 in the third quarter to close the gap. Gilgeous-Alexander noted their resilience, stating, "You've just got to figure out what the task is that night and get it done," in an interview obtained by Gulfshore Business.
Memphis, on the other hand, had its moments in the spotlight with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading their offense with 17 points. Rookie Cedric Coward also stood out with a double-double, adding 13 points and 10 rebounds, as reported by Reuters. However, Ja Morant faced a challenging night, only managing 11 points on 3-for-18 shooting from the field. This game marked the Thunder's 14th consecutive victory against the Grizzlies, a streak that includes a four-game sweep in last season's Western Conference playoffs as per Reuters.
Contributions from Oklahoma City's Isaiah Hartenstein, who finished the game with 18 points and 13 rebounds, demonstrated the depth of the NBA champions. The Thunder's success on the road continues to impress, with a record that now stands at 6-1 outside their home court, and a robust 10-1 overall, making them the team to watch as the season unfolds, Action News 5 reported. With an ability to overcome adversity, Thunder fans have reason to hold their heads high as their team showcases the championship-caliber that carried them to the title last year.
