Without defensive standout Lu Dort and veteran wing Kenrich Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 123-102 on Wednesday evening, ending OKC’s three-game win streak.
Grizzlies famous person Ja Morant notched a triple-double in opposition to the Thunder, totaling 26 factors, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. For Oklahoma City, rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completed with 26 factors, seven assists and three rebounds.
The Thunder struggled to hit pictures originally of the sport, beginning the competition 3-of-12 from the sphere. All three of OKC’s area targets got here from past the arc nevertheless, which saved Oklahoma City and Memphis knotted at 11. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Grizzlies led 27-25.
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 12 factors, three rebounds, one steal and one help in the opening interval, taking pictures a whopping 10 free throws in the quarter.
With their star on the bench for almost all of the second quarter, the Thunder saved tempo with the Grizzlies, by no means trailing by greater than seven factors. Gilgeous-Alexander scored his first factors of the second quarter with a minute left in the primary half, bringing the Thunder inside 5.
At halftime, Memphis lead OKC 57-52 behind 12 factors from each Morant and Dillon Brooks. For Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 14 factors and second-year guard Tre Mann notched 9 factors halfway by the competition.
OKC’s first half taking pictures saved the Thunder in rivalry, going 10-of-12 from the free throw line and 8-of-17 from 3-point vary in the primary 24 minutes. In comparability, the Grizzlies solely related on six free throws and shot 5-of-17 from downtown.
Brooks responded popping out of halftime, nailing three consecutive triples adopted by a mid-range jumper, accounting for the Grizzlies first 11 factors of the third quarter and pushing the Memphis result in 68-63.
With the Grizzlies up 73-67, Memphis huge man Jaren Jackson Jr. was referred to as for a foul. Jackson Jr. expressed his frustration with the decision and was assessed a technical foul, giving Oklahoma City a free throw and possession of the ball. Second-year guard Josh Giddey then related on a 3-point shot to chop the Grizzlies result in 73-71.
Memphis shortly prolonged their result in 9 behind a 9-2 run late in the third interval. Morant capped off the Grizzlies’ spectacular stretch by taking a cost on rookie ball-handler Jalen Williams and ending a formidable layup over Aleksej Pokusevski, dancing off the courtroom because the Thunder referred to as a timeout.
OKC answered proper again with 3-pointers from sharpshooting guard Isaiah Joe and veteran huge man Mike Muscala, reducing the Memphis lead again to a few. In the blink of a watch, nevertheless, Oklahoma City was behind as soon as once more, trailing 92-83 after a triple from Morant.
Heading into the ultimate body, the Grizzlies led the Thunder 94-87 behind 26 factors, 13 rebounds and eight assists from Morant.
Memphis opened the fourth quarter with 5 factors from Jackson Jr. to push the Grizzlies result in 12 with Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench. The Memphis huge man’s measurement and physicality was an excessive amount of for OKC, who’s desperately in want of injured rookie middle Chet Holmgren’s providers.
The Grizzlies maintained their lead over the Thunder, downing Oklahoma City 123-102. OKC will meet the Cavaliers on Saturday at 6:30 P.M. in Cleveland.
Want to hitch the dialogue? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to remain updated on all the most recent Thunder news. You may also meet the team behind the protection.
publish credit score to Source link