Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance with 41 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 120-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. The victory marked Oklahoma City’s fifth straight win, strengthening their hold on the Western Conference’s top seed.
Jalen Williams contributed 20 points, while Aaron Wiggins added 16 to help the Thunder improve to 51-11. Isaiah Hartenstein played a crucial role on the boards, finishing with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Ja Morant returned for Memphis after missing two games with a shoulder injury and led the team with 24 points. However, he struggled from the field, shooting 8-of-22. Desmond Bane and Scotty Pippen Jr. each recorded 15 points, but the Grizzlies dropped their fourth consecutive game.
Oklahoma City built momentum with a 15-6 run in the second quarter, creating separation before halftime. The Thunder extended their lead further in the third, outscoring Memphis 30-23.
Gilgeous-Alexander took control in the third quarter, scoring 15 points during a 14-2 run that turned a three-point lead into a 15-point cushion. His efficiency, shooting 14-of-25 from the field, kept the Thunder in control.
The Thunder capitalized on Memphis’ turnovers, scoring 17 points off 15 giveaways. Oklahoma City entered the game leading the NBA in forced turnovers, averaging nearly 18 per game. Memphis’ turnover struggles, ranking among the worst in the league, proved costly once again.
Jalen Williams filled the stat sheet with nine assists and five rebounds while knocking down five free throws. Hartenstein provided an inside presence, grabbing five offensive boards to keep possessions alive.
Off the bench, Wiggins shot 6-of-9 from the field, including three three-pointers. Jaylin Williams added 13 points on perfect shooting, hitting all four of his attempts from beyond the arc.
For Memphis, Brandon Clarke was a bright spot with 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Vince Williams Jr. contributed 12 points, but the Grizzlies struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Morant.
Oklahoma City shot 50.6% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, while Memphis managed just 40.7% overall and 26.5% from deep. The Thunder’s ability to force tough shots and control the tempo played a key role in their dominant win.
With the victory, Oklahoma City has won 14 of its last 16 games, solidifying itself as the top contender in the West. Memphis, now 38-24, has dropped seven of its last nine, struggling to close out games in recent weeks.
