Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds in just three quarters, powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a convincing 116-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA’s Monday action.
The game marked Memphis’ last without star point guard Ja Morant, who is set to return from his suspension in the next game against New Orleans.
Memphis, enduring its fifth consecutive loss, eagerly awaits Morant’s comeback. The dynamic guard was suspended for the first 25 games of the season following an incident involving a handgun on a live video stream.
“Health-wise, he’s in great shape physically,” Jenkins said. “Now it’s just a matter of just adjusting to NBA game shape. But knowing how hard he plays, he’s going to be going full steam tomorrow and then a day off and get ready for Thursday’s first home game for him.
“But I won’t anticipate going crazy with his minutes,” Jenkins continued. “But I don’t think it’s any kind of restriction, you know, low minutes or anything like that.”
Last season, Morant impressed with averages of 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds across 61 games. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins anticipates Morant playing significant minutes upon his return, confident in his physical readiness and eager to see him adjust to the pace of NBA games.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City continues its impressive run, holding second place in the Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off a game-winning shot against Denver, continued his form against Memphis, shooting efficiently and excelling at the free-throw line.
Rookie Chet Holmgren also shone for the Thunder, contributing 17 points, seven blocks, and six rebounds. His defensive prowess has been notable, with 15 blocks over the last two games. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Holmgren’s fearlessness and resilience, especially in challenging rim contests.
“The one thing that stands out for me is the fearlessness in him attacking those plays,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “You know, it’s a vulnerable position when you are contesting shots at the rim, especially with his frame.
“And he’s always got his nose in the fight there,” Danigault explained. “He’ll get dunked on five times if it means contesting five rim shots. And I think that’s the thing I respect most about him as a competitor.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Holmgren has been averaging 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and an impressive 4.3 blocks in December. Daigneault acknowledged the rookie’s growth and adaptability, foreseeing continued improvement as the game slows down for him.
“Good, bad, up, down — experiences. He grows and he continues to improve through all that stuff,” Daigneault said. “And so it’s not going to be surprising as things start to slow down for him. Obviously, the shot blocking the last couple games has been wild. But things are slowing down for him in all facets of the game.”
The Grizzlies struggled without key players Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, both sidelined due to injuries. Their shooting woes were evident, managing only 35.3% from the field. Jaren Jackson Jr., who had been scoring heavily in recent games, was limited to 11 points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Memphis appeared outmatched throughout, with Oklahoma City leading 68-53 at halftime, propelled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 17 points and Holmgren’s defensive efforts. The Thunder further extended their lead in the third quarter, allowing only 2-for-19 shooting by Memphis.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Thunder will host the Los Angeles Clippers.
