Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Sweep Grizzlies Despite Early Struggles

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, underperforming early on in the series.

With 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander closed out the Grizzlies in Game 4, leading the Thunder to a 117-115 win.

“I didn’t think he played any different,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “I just think he got into a groove.”

Despite shooting only 35.3% — his worst three-game stretch of the season — Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder blew out the Grizzlies in both home games and pulled off a 29-point comeback in Game 3.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the league with 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting this season, started Game 4 with the hot hand, hitting his first seven shots and scoring 16 points in the first quarter.

“I’m impressed with my level to, I guess, stay with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “In the past, I, for sure, would’ve turned down the aggressiveness a little bit. I think I made a jump as far as that this year. That’s something I’m definitely proud of. I try not to focus on the results and just focus on my mental development. I think I’ve taken a step forward in that, and I had a night like tonight because of it.

“In the past, I definitely would’ve shied away from the moment because of where my shooting was headed. I think I’ve taken a step mentally, but I think I’ve done so all season and been paid off in the moment in the night where we needed it.”

First-time All-Star Jalen Williams delivered for the Thunder throughout the series, putting up 23.3 points and 5.3 assists per game and closed out the Grizzlies with a 23-point, five-assist performance in Game 4.

Oklahoma City survived a cold night from three — making only seven-of-35 — thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and an aggressive defense that forced 22 Memphis turnovers and converted them into 32 points. The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant, sidelined by a left hip contusion.

The Thunder racked up 103 points off turnovers against the Grizzlies.

The Thunder finished the season with the NBA’s top-ranked defense and led the league in points off turnovers at 21.8 per game.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s three consecutive rough shooting games were unexpected, though his teammates were quick to defend his overall impact before the series finale.

“I think he played a hell of a series,” Chet Holmgren said. “He was making the right plays all series, making the right reads, trusting people, and that’s been really helpful, not only for myself, but for [Williams], for everybody down the list. And I don’t see that changing. He’s going to continue to play great. And when that ball’s going in at a high clip, you guys are going to be up here asking me how special he was that night.”

The Thunder are set to take on the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Clippers series in the second round.