Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City showed why they are the tops in the NBA after the Thunder outmuscled the Grizzlies 125-112 in a possible playoff preview at the FedExForum on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The Grizzlies’ loss also puts further cushion between the teams in the standings. At a league-best 42-9, Oklahoma City currently holds a 7.5 game lead over second place Memphis. It is the second loss in the last 10 games for the Grizzlies, who fall to 35-17.
Hot shooting from deep, several courtesy of second chance opportunities via offensive rebounds, hindered the Grizzlies the first three quarters. As a result, Oklahoma City entered the final quarter with a 104-93 lead.
“This my first time seeing them since they became good,” reflected Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. “I feel like we had shots that just didn’t fall like they normally do on the offensive end.”
Thunder shooting guard Aaron Wiggins hit seven of his eight three-pointers during the span. He finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Nine boards were on the offensive end. He joined center Isaiah Hartenstein in out hustling the Grizzlies under the boards. The veteran big man led both teams with 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end. He also added 12 points.
As a team, the Thunder out rebounded Memphis 55-40. Twenty-one boards were collected under their own basket.
“You shoot the same percentages and give up 24 more shots, do the math right there and that’s obviously going to be a big problem,” said Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
Both teams shot 42.9% from deep for the game.
The extra looks also benefited Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all players with 32 points on the night. The 2025 All-Star shot 8-26 from the field, including 3-5 from deep. He also managed to draw several fouls in drives to the basket, hitting 13-16 from the charity stripe. Gilgeous-Alexander also had a game-high eight assists.
The 2018 11th overall pick was named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the third year in a row. It is the second consecutive year he has been named a starter.
He outpaced the Grizzlies’ all-star representative Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 19 points, along with three blocks and three steals. However, the 6’11” power forward was limited to three rebounds.
Jackson has recently topped 30 points in several games. It is his second time being named a reserve all-star. He also made the team in 2023.
“I’m just blessed to be a part of it,” said Jackson. “There’s going to be great players everywhere and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
All five Thunder starters finished in double digits. Fellow all-star reserve Jalen Williams added 25 points, six rebounds and six assists. Defensive ace Alex Caruso added 14 points.
Memphis found a rhythm in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Thunder 29-21, however the deficit was too great.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 20 points on 7-15 shooting, including 3-5 from deep. His nine rebounds were also a team-high. The fifth-year guard also had five assists. Morant added 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
“We have a lot of things that we need to do better,” Bane said. “We still have a lot of games left to play, but we must look ourselves in the mirror and continue to improve.”
Santi Aldama scored 18 points off the bench. Fellow reserve GG Jackson added 11 points.
The Grizzlies begin a five-game road trip at Phoenix on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Their next home game is on Feb. 25 against the Suns at the FedExForum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
