The Oklahoma City Thunder gave a show of character and resilience that will remain engraved in the memory of their fans. In a game that seemed lost early on, the team managed to recover from a 29-point deficit to end up defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108 in the third game of the first round series in the West. With this victory, the Thunder is now 3-0 and one step away from qualifying.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was key with 31 points, accompanied by Jalen Williams' 26 and an outstanding second half from Chet Holmgren, who finished with 24 points, 23 of them in the second half. Oklahoma City not only won, but did so with one of the most impressive comebacks in recent playoff history.
An overwhelming start for Memphis
Memphis came out with full energy in the first quarter, determined to change the look of the first two games. With Scotty Pippen Jr. on fire from the three-point line and a very active Ja Morant, the Grizzlies set the pace and built a sizable lead early. The offense was flowing, the shots were falling, and the home crowd was enjoying the show.
The second quarter was even more devastating for the home team. A 25-5 run put the Thunder on the ropes, with the deficit reaching 29 points after a Desmond Bane layup. Memphis seemed to have found its ideal form, shooting 57% from the field and committing just three turnovers in the first half. Everything indicated that the series was going to have a new look.
However, the hardest hit was not for Oklahoma, but for the Grizzlies themselves. Ja Morant suffered a hard fall on a running layup after contact with Luguentz Dort. Although he tried to continue, he had to leave the game with a left hip contusion. His absence was a breaking point, both emotionally and tactically, for Memphis.
Thunder Awakening
After a first half to forget, the Thunder returned from the locker room with a different mentality. The team began to show a much more aggressive defense, greater offensive fluidity and a completely different attitude. Chet Holmgren, almost absent in the first half, was the engine of change. He scored 16 points in the third quarter, and Oklahoma City cut a 26-point deficit to just eight.
Jalen Williams was also decisive, especially in his decision making. His three-pointer at the buzzer at the end of the third quarter put the Thunder in a real fighting position, completely changing the narrative of the game. By that point, the Thunder had already doubled Memphis in points in the third quarter and were starting to put the pressure on.
Meanwhile, Memphis could no longer find answers. Without their leader on the court, the offense became predictable and the rhythm of the game changed completely. The effectiveness that had characterized the Grizzlies in the first half disappeared, and the team was completely dominated on both sides of the ball.
The Perfect Closing
The last part of the game was a mental battle. Every possession counted and Oklahoma City kept their cool. With just over a minute left, Jalen Williams put the Thunder ahead for the first time in the game with a free throw to make the score 109-108. From there, it was all about execution. Holmgren added from the line and Alex Caruso sealed the comeback with a layup in transition with just 19 seconds left.
Most impressively, Memphis did not score a single point in the last 4 minutes and 51 seconds of the game. It was a total collapse that reflected what they experienced since Morant's departure. The Thunder, for their part, showed a maturity that is surprising for such a young group.
Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized just that at the end of the game: his team's ability to stay focused, not lose faith and reconnect with its identity. Oklahoma was outplayed, beaten and dominated, but never gave up. And that spirit ended up being the key to a triumph that transcends beyond the scoreboard.
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Memphis, On the Brink of Elimination
With this loss, the Grizzlies have their backs against the wall. Not only do they now have to win four games in a row, but they must do so with the uncertainty about the health of their main figure. Morant's fall not only changed the course of the game, but also leaves the team with serious doubts for what is to come.
Scotty Pippen Jr. had a standout performance with 28 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 22, but without their star point guard the team lost order and confidence. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo will have to make quick decisions if he wants to keep the series alive, although everything points to a very complicated scenario for Memphis.
The next game will be a test of character for both teams. For Oklahoma City, the opportunity to close the series with a sweep. For the Grizzlies, the last call before a possible bye. But regardless of what happens, what happened in Game 3 has already been marked as one of those nights that define an entire season.
