Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) meet after their NBA game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder run their winning streak to 11 games with a 130-106 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA on Sunday.
The loss snapped the Grizzlies’ two-game winning streak and was just their fourth in 18 games.
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The Thunder had a season-high 35 assists, led by eight from Jalen Williams.
Without Ja Morant, who sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in Friday’s win over New Orleans, and several other key players, Memphis didn’t have an answer for the Western Conference-leading Thunder.
The Grizzlies also were without Zach Edey (concussion) and Brandon Clarke (right knee soreness).
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While Memphis was without plenty of production, Oklahoma City’s Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace returned after missing Saturday’s win in Charlotte.
Dec 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball down the court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter of an NBA game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Oklahoma City missed its first five shots and had two turnovers in the first three minutes before Gilgeous-Alexander got going.
After falling behind 9-0, Oklahoma City took over. Gilgeous-Alexander made his first six shots, extending into the second quarter, and the Thunder led by as much as 29 in the first half.
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Gilgeous-Alexander kept his foot on the pedal deep into the second half, even with the game well under control.
In the final seconds of the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander jogged to halfcourt, crossing with about three seconds left.
Then Gilgeous-Alexander blew past Luke Kennard to get to the bucket, finishing with a scooping layup as Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped his direction too late to contest the shot.
It was Gilgeous-Alexander’s 17th game with at least 30 points this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14 of 19 from the floor — 13 of 14 inside the arc — as Oklahoma City outscored Memphis in the paint 56-36 for the game.
Oklahoma City scored 33 points off Memphis’ 21 turnovers.
The Grizzlies shot a season-low 38.1 percent from the floor, with starters Jaylen Wells and Jackson combining to shoot just 5 of 29.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points.
Six other Oklahoma City scorers joined Gilgeous-Alexander in double figures, including 17 points off the bench from Ajay Mitchell and 16 from Aaron Wiggins. –Field Level Media