Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance with 35 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 130-106 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, extending their impressive winning streak to 11 games. The victory not only maintained the Thunder’s strong momentum but also solidified their position in the Western Conference standings, moving them five games ahead of the Grizzlies. Gilgeous-Alexander shot an efficient 14 of 19 from the field, adding seven assists and four blocks to his tally, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
The Thunder faced a competitive first quarter, which ended with them holding a narrow 34-31 lead. However, it was the second quarter where Oklahoma City took full control. They outscored Memphis 42-19, building a commanding 76-50 lead by halftime. This overwhelming stretch helped to put the game out of reach for the Grizzlies, and the Thunder maintained their advantage throughout the second half.
Jalen Williams came close to a triple-double in the win, contributing 14 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Ajay Mitchell added a solid 17 points. Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins played a crucial role, scoring 16 points and providing energy and depth. The Thunder’s defense also played a key part in the win, as they limited Memphis’ offensive opportunities and kept the Grizzlies at bay for most of the game.
The Grizzlies, missing star guard Ja Morant due to a shoulder injury, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite starting the game strong with the first nine points, Memphis fell behind after the first quarter. They couldn’t recover from the Thunder's explosive second quarter and were unable to challenge Oklahoma City's dominance. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points, while Jon Konchar grabbed 15 rebounds to keep the Grizzlies in the game. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Thunder's superior play.
The game was notable for Memphis being without Morant, and it showcased Oklahoma City's growing depth and skill across multiple players. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and the supporting cast’s contributions highlighted the balanced approach that has been key to the Thunder's success during this streak.
In other NBA action, the Indiana Pacers avenged their earlier loss to the Boston Celtics by securing a 123-114 victory. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 31 points and seven assists, helping Indiana bounce back from their previous defeat. The Pacers shot an impressive 52.9% from the field and limited Boston’s three-point shooting to just 29.6%, which was a major factor in their victory. Andrew Nembhard, who returned from injury, played a crucial role with 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown scored 31 points for Boston, and Jayson Tatum struggled from beyond the arc, contributing only 22 points.
The Miami Heat also earned a narrow 104-100 win over the Houston Rockets in a game marred by a late-game altercation that led to multiple ejections. Tyler Herro was instrumental in the Heat’s comeback, scoring 17 of his total 27 points in the second half, alongside nine assists. The altercation, which involved Herro and Amen Thompson, resulted in both players being ejected, along with other players from each team. Despite the scuffle, Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 22 points, and Alperen Sengun had a solid double-double performance with 18 points and 18 rebounds.
These games provided plenty of excitement, with teams like Oklahoma City, Indiana, and Miami each securing important wins as they continue to compete for playoff positioning in the NBA.
