Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another dominant performance, scoring 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 125-104 on Thursday night.
The victory marked Oklahoma City’s eighth consecutive win and set a new franchise record with 61 victories this season.
Jalen Williams returned from a seven-game absence due to a hip injury and contributed 20 points. Isaiah Hartenstein added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, who remain in first place in the Western Conference at 61-12.
With the win, Oklahoma City secured the best record in the West and maintained a two-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA’s best overall mark with nine games remaining.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 27 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. had an all-around effort with 17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.
The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant, who missed his sixth straight game due to a hamstring injury.
Oklahoma City held a 63-59 lead at halftime before opening the third quarter with an 8-0 run. Memphis responded late in the period, cutting the deficit to 91-89 entering the fourth quarter.
The Thunder took control in the final frame, outscoring the Grizzlies 34-15.
Memphis struggled offensively in the fourth, shooting just 5-of-19 from the field.
Oklahoma City made 13 of 23 field goals in the quarter, with Lu Dort’s three-pointer breaking a 99-99 tie. Moments later, Hartenstein’s dunk extended the lead to five, sparking the decisive run.
The Thunder’s depth was tested as Alex Caruso (low back soreness) and Jaylin Williams (left hip stiffness) exited the game, but their absence had little impact on the outcome.
The Grizzlies, now 44-29 and fifth in the West, will look to bounce back in their next contest as they continue to fight for playoff positioning.
