Title: Thunder Dominate Depleted Grizzlies, Extend Win Streak to 11
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive run, securing their 11th consecutive victory with a dominant 130-106 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite facing a severely depleted Grizzlies squad missing key players like Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Zach Edey, the Thunder showcased their resilience and depth on the second night of a back-to-back.
While some may argue that the absence of Memphis’ stars diminishes the significance of this win, it’s crucial to recognize the Thunder’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain their momentum. The team’s record now stands at an impressive 26-5, marking the best start in franchise history.
SGA’s Stellar Performance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he’s one of the league’s elite scorers, putting up a remarkable stat line of 35 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 blocks. His efficiency was off the charts, shooting 14-for-19 from the field. SGA’s ability to dominate in the post and hit difficult shots, like his signature baseline floater behind the backboard, continues to astound fans and opponents alike.
Hartenstein’s Defensive Prowess
Isaiah Hartenstein deserves significant credit for his defensive efforts against Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite Jackson’s All-Star status, Hartenstein’s textbook defense limited him to just 13 points on 5-of-17 shooting. This performance highlights Hartenstein’s value to the team, especially on the defensive end.
Offensively, Hartenstein is adapting to opponents’ strategies of sagging off him. By adjusting his catch points closer to the three-point line, he’s finding ways to remain effective despite teams trying to negate his playmaking abilities.
The emergence of AJ Mitchell has been a pleasant surprise for the Thunder. His high basketball IQ and ability to take pressure off Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have made him a crucial part of the rotation. Mitchell’s defensive intensity and knack for forcing turnovers add another dimension to the Thunder’s already formidable defense.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s impressive win streak and individual player performances, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• Jalen Williams’ bounce-back performance
• The impact of Isaiah Joe’s shooting on the offense
• Looking ahead to the upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves
