Memphis GrizzliesOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City ThunderOpen full analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 119–103 on December 22 at Paycom Center, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way on 31 points and Jalen Williams adding 24 in a balanced offensive attack. Oklahoma City shot 48.9 percent from the field and connected on 15 three-pointers while forcing 21 turnovers from Memphis, whose ball security issues proved costly in a game that finished well below the 234.5-point Vegas total. The Thunder's defense was suffocating, posting a 98.9 defensive rating compared to Memphis's 114.2, and Oklahoma City's 14 steals created havoc throughout. Memphis countered with 26 assists and made 18 threes, but Coward and Caldwell-Pope combined for just 32 points and the Grizzlies shot only 41 percent overall. The Thunder's second quarter (36 points) and fourth quarter (35 points) bookended an efficient performance that underscored Oklahoma City's depth and defensive versatility. This win reinforces the Thunder's positioning in the Western Conference race.
