Thunder Top Grizzlies Without Gilgeous-Alexander

With out lead ball-handlers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder dominated the Memphis Grizzlies 115-109 at dwelling on Saturday evening. OKC’s victory ends a 5 recreation losing-streak, enhancing the crew’s file to 12-18.

For the Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks knocked down six 3-pointers en path to a 32-point efficiency. Within the absence of Oklahoma Metropolis’s regular stars, defensive standout Lu Dort took over for the Thunder, scoring 24, grabbing seven rebounds and dispensing 4 assists whereas capturing 8-of-14 from the sphere and 3-of-4 from past the arc.

With out their high scorer, OKC was in a position to preserve tempo with Memphis early within the contest. Dort linked on a 3-pointer to tie the sport at 9, then nailed one other triple following a Jalen Williams block, giving the Thunder a 3 level lead halfway by the opening quarter.

After falling behind by 5, Williams dove throughout the courtroom to poke the ball away from Ja Morant and into the fingers of Aaron Wiggins, who completed the play with a layup on the different finish. On the following possession, Norman native Lindy Waters III knocked down a 3-pointer from the nook to tie the sport at 20. 

Regardless of a low-scoring first body, Oklahoma Metropolis held a 25-21 benefit over the Grizzlies after the primary 12 minutes. This was a stark distinction from Memphis’ most up-to-date efficiency, a 142-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Three minutes into the second interval, rookie huge man Jaylin Williams hit his first profession 3-pointer, capping off a 10-3 run by the Thunder. After one other shot from downtown, this time by veteran wing Kenrich Williams, OKC led the Grizzlies 38-24. 

A number of moments later, Wiggins discovered the underside of the web on a triple that hardly beat the shot clock, extending Oklahoma Metropolis’s result in 45-30. Up 57-40, Joe was fouled by Morant, who was then known as for a technical foul after arguing with an official in regards to the name. 

The Thunder sharpshooter sunk all three free throws, pushing OKC’s result in 20. Lower than a minute later, Morant was known as for an additional technical foul whereas Omoruyi was capturing free throws, ending the Grizzlies’ celebrity’s evening earlier than halftime. Brooks was assessed a technical foul in the identical sequence.

On the half, Oklahoma Metropolis led the Grizzlies 64-43 behind 13 factors from Dort. The Thunder shot a exceptional 11-for-20 from past the arc within the first 24 minutes of motion to construct their large lead.

Early within the third quarter, Memphis tried to claw again, however Joe knocked down two extra triples to keep up the Thunder’s 21-point lead. Aleksej Pokusevski hit a 3-pointer from the nook quickly after to provide OKC a 75-51 benefit. 

The Grizzlies, nevertheless, obtained to the free throw line ceaselessly within the closing six minutes of the third, outscoring the Thunder 33-27 popping out of halftime. Oklahoma Metropolis clung to a 91-76 lead heading into the ultimate body. 

Deep photographs from Wiggins and fellow second-year guard Tre Mann helped the Thunder convey their lead again to twenty early within the fourth quarter, placing OKC up 100-80. Memphis then launched into a 7-0 run, which was shortly damaged up by a Jaylin Williams layup in transition.

With the Grizzlies again in putting distance, Dort knocked down consecutive mid-range photographs to maintain Memphis within the rear-view mirror. On the six minute mark within the closing interval, Oklahoma Metropolis held a 106-91 benefit over the Grizzlies.

An 8-0 run by the Grizzlies minimize OKC’s result in eight with lower than 4 minutes left within the recreation. With the Thunder’s lead slipping away, Joe linked on a shot from past the arc to finish Memphis’ run. 

From there, OKC held on to safe the 115-109 victory over the Grizzlies. 

The Thunder return to motion on Monday evening in opposition to the Portland Trailblazers at 7 p.m. in Oklahoma Metropolis.

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