Shai Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed concerns over his shooting efficiency after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-99 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series on Tuesday.
Despite uncharacteristic struggles from the field across the first two games, the All-NBA guard emphasized that shot-making isn’t his primary focus.
“I feel like I’m getting looks I usually make — I’m just missing them,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “Luckily, my team is really good. We’ve won two games by a decent margin. They’ve had my back, and hopefully, I pick it up soon.”
Oklahoma City opened Tuesday’s game on a 9-0 run and never relinquished control, leading 32-17 after the first quarter and setting a franchise playoff record with 12 made threes in the first half.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points and found his rhythm with consecutive three-pointers in the second quarter, helping extend the lead to double digits for good.
Rookie big man Chet Holmgren added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, while Jalen Williams poured in 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting.
The Thunder have now beaten Memphis six straight times this season, all by double digits.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s rotation again capitalized on team depth, with Alex Caruso registering 13 points and a +18 plus-minus off the bench.
“Guys have been hurt, guys have been down, and guys come back into the lineup. No matter what, it seems like we don’t miss a beat,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, underscoring the Thunder’s consistency.
Oklahoma City began the fourth quarter with a four-minute defensive shutout, pushing the lead to 20 and eliminating any chance of a Memphis comeback.
Cason Wallace added a momentum-swinging dunk over Zach Edey during a key 7-0 run that silenced the visiting team’s push in the second half.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who logged 10 rebounds, also drew praise for his screen-setting and interior presence, with Gilgeous-Alexander highlighting his “basketball IQ” and ability to “affect the game every time he gets out there.”
On the defensive end, the Thunder forced 15 turnovers and turned them into 25 points, thriving in transition with a 48-8 edge in fast-break scoring through two games.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 23 points and six assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 26 points.
Desmond Bane had 19 points and 12 rebounds, but the Grizzlies shot just 42.9% and were outmatched for a second straight contest.
Lu Dort and Cason Wallace drew defensive assignments on Morant, and Gilgeous-Alexander credited their “disruptive” play for making a difference.
Oklahoma City now heads to Memphis with a commanding 2-0 series lead and a chance to push the Grizzlies to the brink in Game 3 on Thursday.
