Thunder step on Grizzlies, further up the standings
OKC 130 MEM 106
Mea culpa. I said that a game against the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies (22-11), a legit (and I still mean it) #2 seed plenty capable without their lead star, could very competitive for Oklahoma City (26-5). Even with the potential return of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace--each of whom missed the first night of this Thunder back to back with minor ailments--I was dumb enough to predict an OKC loss, on a hunch.
I should've known better. Oklahoma City just doesn't leave much to chance. Unless they have epic shooting woes (and to be fair, they have at times) it is rare for another team to endure the smashmouth Thunder. I can't get over how they are controlling games possession by possession, shot by shot, like a dominating football team. In a league marked by rapid comebacks and unsafe leads, OKC closes the door on their opponent's offensive attack. They were +11 in turnovers, took six more shots than Memphis, made fifteen more of them, and slammed the door shut before halftime.
Shai is getting (more) ridiculous. 35 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and a steal. And Isaiah Hartenstein did this to the Grizzlies' other star player: