The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, head to Memphis with a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. OKC looks to be in cruise control after easily handling the No. 8 seed, winning by a combined 70 points in the first two games.
As for the Grizzlies, the series shifting to Memphis couldn’t come at a better time. It’s been tough sledding for the West’s eighth seed as they face a 0-2 deficit heading into Game 3 in the “Grit and Grind” city.
How To Watch Grizzlies-Thunder Game 3
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Channel/Stream: TNT/Max
- Where: FedExForum
Grizzlies To Hang Hats on Defense
Memphis teams over the years have been known for their tough, physical defense — earning the city its “Grit and Grind” nickname. But in the first two games of this series, that defense has been absent.
The Thunder are averaging 124.5 points per game, which would rank first among playoff teams. The Grizzlies have done a decent job of slowing down SGA, but they haven’t been able to stop Oklahoma City’s balanced scoring attack.
So far, OKC has six players (Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein) averaging 10 or more points in the series. If that continues, the Thunder could be on an early break waiting for the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers in Round 2.
What To Expect in Game 3
This series hasn’t had many epic moments, and it’s becoming less likely that Memphis will pull off the upset over the team with the NBA’s best record. But there are still things to watch as the matchup heads to Tennessee.
Gilgeous-Alexander, one of three MVP finalists this season, has gotten off to a slow start. In Game 1, he scored a season-low 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting. In Game 2, he bounced back with 27 points, but he shot just 10-of-29 from the field. The three-time All-Star may need to be more efficient if Oklahoma City wants to close the series quickly.
While SGA’s offense has dipped a bit, first-time All-Star Jalen Williams has stepped up in the postseason. In the first two games, he’s averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Nicknamed “J-Dub,” Williams has no problem taking over the scoring load when needed, and he’s shown that in this series.
NBA fans might finally get the Ja Morant vs. Gilgeous-Alexander duel they’ve been waiting for in Game 3. But right now, it looks like the Thunder have figured out that Memphis isn’t quite on the same level as the West’s elite.
