Thunder Complete 1st Round Sweep vs. Grizzlies As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Returns To Form

MEMPHIS—The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the second round after closing out a hard-fought 117-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday to complete the 4-0 series sweep. Unlike the first three, it was the tightest game of the series, with both teams trading leads throughout the night, but Oklahoma City made just enough plays down the stretch to move on.

For most of the first three games, Oklahoma City had controlled the tempo, the scoreboard, and the energy of the series. Game 4 was different. From the opening tip, Memphis played like a team with nothing to lose. Scottie Pippen Jr. was aggressive early, hitting tough shots and attacking the rim. Santi Aldama brought a much needed scoring punch and the Grizzlies played with some physicality that had been missing in earlier games. The Thunder, to their credit, matched it, but the easy stretches that had defined the series so far were nowhere to be found.

Neither team led by more than 12 points at any point. Every mini-run was answered almost immediately. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got the Thunder off to a strong start, getting into the midrange and picking apart Memphis’ defensive coverages. With a 7-7 16 point opening quarter, it was by far the best start of a game for him in this series and was a precursor for the rest of the game. Jalen Williams, who has possibly been Oklahoma City’s most consistent player throughout the series, joined Gilgeous-Alexander early in getting the Thunder going and one would have thought the Thunder were going to be on pace for another blowout win.

The Grizzlies had other plans though.

By halftime, Oklahoma City held a slim 60-59 lead, but the tone was set: this was going to be a dogfight.

The third quarter was more of the same. Whenever it felt like the Thunder were about to string together enough stops and shots to create real separation, Memphis answered with timely threes, offensive rebounds, and transition buckets. Oklahoma City’s defense, so dominant in earlier games, struggled to completely contain Pippen Jr., who seemed to have an answer for every Thunder run.

Still, the Thunder didn’t panic. Gilgeous-Alexander remained poised, finding his spots and keeping the offense moving even as Memphis made their push. Jalen Williams found ways to manufacture points in traffic. Holmgren continued to be a presence in the paint. But with the crowd at FedExForum fully engaged, the Grizzlies rode the energy, and the two teams entered the fourth quarter with the Grizzlies only down 3.

It was playoff basketball at its most raw: nothing easy, nothing given. Memphis took a late lead midway through the fourth after a quick 6-0 burst fueled by Bane and Pippen Jr.. For a moment, it looked like the Thunder might be headed back to Oklahoma City for a Game 5. But this is not the same young Thunder team that was learning on the fly a year ago. They’ve grown. They responded.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a steadying force all season, delivered again. He attacked the paint relentlessly, drawing fouls and hitting clutch free throws. Williams continued to be fearless, making tough shots in traffic and never shying away from big moments. Holmgren came up with a massive block on Jackson inside, and Isaiah Joe hit a critical three to keep the Thunder close.

With under a minute to play and all hope seemingly gone for Memphis, Bane stepped out and knocked down a three at the top of the key to pull Memphis within three with 6 seconds left. The building was shaking. The Grizzlies had life.

Memphis the final possession, down three to extend their season. Bane at the line for two free throws and intentionally misses the second one and got as clean of a miss to try and get a look to tie the game as they could have gotten. It just didn’t go.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 38 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, once again proving to be the engine behind everything Oklahoma City does. Williams added 23 points, including the biggest free throws of the night.

For the Thunder, this win felt like more than just a series clincher. It was a test of composure, toughness, and maturity — and they passed. They didn’t blow out an overmatched opponent. They won a tense, uncomfortable playoff game where every mistake could have flipped the result.

It’s the kind of win championship teams need to have in their back pockets. Oklahoma City proved they can stay poised even when the game gets messy, even when momentum slips away, and even when the other team keeps punching back.

Now we wait to see who they will be matched up against in their second round series between the Clippers and Nuggets.

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