Thunder Rally to Victory Against Grizzlies
In Memphis, Tennessee, Jalen Williams led the charge for the Oklahoma City Thunder with 26 points, while Kenrich Williams contributed 21 points, including a critical 3-pointer that put the Thunder ahead with just over a minute left. The Thunder came back from a 21-point deficit in the second half to secure a 117-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Notable Contributions and Statistics
Amidst short-handed rosters for both teams, Ajay Mitchell chipped in 23 points for Oklahoma City, who have now won 16 consecutive games against Memphis, including a first-round playoff sweep last year. Aaron Wiggins also added 16 points to the Thunder’s effort.
Grizzlies’ Struggles
Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout for Memphis, scoring 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds. GG Jackson contributed with 18 points while Santi Aldama added 15. The Grizzlies have now lost six of their last seven games.
Game Dynamics
The Thunder began to chip away at their deficit, pulling within 80-68 midway through the third quarter thanks to a 15-6 run. By the end of the third, Oklahoma City trailed 94-81, having shot impressively at 61% in that period.
Incomplete Rosters
Both teams dealt with notable absences throughout the game. While Memphis has struggled with injuries all season, Oklahoma City missed key players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, among others. Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Cason Wallace were only recently part of Wednesday’s tough loss to Utah.
Pels Snap Losing Streak Against Wizards
In another matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards 128-107, with Trey Murphy III scoring 35 points and Zion Williamson adding 31. The victory marked the end of a nine-game losing streak for New Orleans.
76ers and Clippers Triumph
In other games, the Philadelphia 76ers overcame the Orlando Magic with a score of 101-85, backed by Tyrese Maxey’s 29 points, while the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 131-102, led by James Harden’s 31 points and Kawhi Leonard’s 26.
