The Oklahoma City Thunder held off a fourth-quarter push from the Memphis Grizzlies, responding with a dominant run to close out a 120-103 victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the way, scoring 41 points on 14-of-25 shooting, following up his 51-point outing in the previous game against the Houston Rockets. He also added eight assists as OKC secured another key win.
Memphis opened the game with balanced scoring, distributing the ball effectively in the first half. After leading most of the first quarter, the Grizzlies briefly pulled ahead in the second behind guards Desmond Bane and Vince Williams Jr., who made his first start of the season.
However, the Thunder’s defense forced key stops, leading to a momentum shift.
Midway through the second quarter, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins was assessed a technical foul, giving OKC an opportunity to gain control. Gilgeous-Alexander converted the free throw, and late three-pointers from Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe helped the Thunder take a 61-55 lead into halftime.
Williams played a key role, finishing with 13 points while shooting 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Thunder’s defensive pressure remained a factor, forcing 15 Memphis turnovers while committing 11 of their own.
The Thunder extended their lead early in the third quarter with a 9-0 run, sparked by Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams. By the end of the period, OKC held a 91-78 advantage.
Memphis made an early push in the fourth quarter behind Scottie Pippen Jr., who forced turnovers and scored five straight points with Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench. However, the Thunder responded with another strong run to put the game out of reach.
Hartenstein provided a key presence inside, recording 10 points, 15 rebounds, three steals and a block. Jalen Williams also made an impact defensively, helping maintain OKC’s lead.
The Thunder will host the Portland Trail Blazers next, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. CT on Friday, March 7.
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