The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling Western Conference matchup on December 29, 2024. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the Thunder secured a narrow 115-112 victory, thanks to a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Game Recap
The game was evenly matched throughout, with the Grizzlies and Thunder exchanging leads in a back-and-forth contest. Memphis dominated the paint early, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 12 first-quarter points. Oklahoma City responded with a barrage of three-pointers, led by Josh Giddey, to tie the game at halftime (56-56).
In the second half, the Thunder pulled ahead, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s relentless drives to the basket. The Grizzlies fought back in the fourth quarter, with Desmond Bane hitting clutch shots to cut the deficit to one point. However, Oklahoma City’s defense held firm in the final seconds, forcing a miss from Ja Morant to seal the win.
Key Performances
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 32 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds.
- Josh Giddey: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists.
- Chet Holmgren: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks.
- Memphis Grizzlies:
- Ja Morant: 29 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks.
- Desmond Bane: 21 points, 5 three-pointers.
Statistical Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Thunder: 49.5%
- Grizzlies: 47.2%
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Thunder: 40.0% (12/30)
- Grizzlies: 36.7% (11/30)
- Rebounds:
- Thunder: 46
- Grizzlies: 42
Takeaways
- The Thunder’s balanced offense and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership were crucial in securing the win. Their ability to execute in the clutch highlights their growth as a playoff contender.
- The Grizzlies showed resilience and firepower but need to improve their perimeter defense and late-game execution to close out tight games.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
Stay updated on the latest NBA games and analysis. Subscribe for recaps, player insights, and power rankings as the season heats up in the Western Conference!
