Thunder Pour Again: Laud Balanced Attack in Game 2 Win
The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, following a convincing 118-99 win in Game 2. According to ESPN, the Thunder’s balanced attack and smothering defense have left the Grizzlies reeling.
For the first time all series, it seemed as though the Grizzlies might mount a challenge, trimming the Thunder’s lead to single digits midway through the third quarter. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s leading scorer, responded with crucial baskets on the next two possessions. As ESPN reports, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a midrange jumper and then lofted a turnaround over 7-foot-4 Zach Edey’s outstretched arm, effectively quelling the Grizzlies’ threat.
Despite a pair of off-shooting performances, the Thunder have cruised to a couple of wins, with Gilgeous-Alexander shooting 32.6% from the floor in the series. As quoted in the ESPN article, Gilgeous-Alexander said, "I feel like I’m getting looks I usually make and just missing them. That’s part of basketball. It’s ups and downs, makes and misses. Because my team is really good, we’ve won two games by a decent margin. They’ve had my back these last two nights. Hopefully, I pick it up soon."
The Thunder’s dominance has been built on a strong defensive performance, allowing the speedy Grizzlies to score only eight fast-break points in two games. Their balanced offense has also been a key factor, with forward Jalen Williams scoring 24 points and power forward/center Chet Holmgren adding 20 points in Game 2. According to ESPN, the Thunder had a 33-14 advantage in bench scoring, led by Alex Caruso’s 13 points.
The Thunder’s depth has been a hallmark of their success this season, with six scorers in double figures in Game 1, led by 10th man Aaron Wiggins’ 21 points. As Gilgeous-Alexander said, "It’s nothing new. We’ve seen it all year. It’s why we have the record we have." The Thunder broke the NBA record for the best point differential (plus-12.9 per game) this season, and according to ESPN Research, it’s the second-highest point differential ever in the first two games of a playoff series.
The Thunder have outscored the Grizzlies by 40 points with Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor in the series, highlighting his importance to the team beyond his scoring. As Caruso said, "He does so much [more] through the complete course of the game than just scoring for our team, and I think that’s showing up. He might miss a couple shots that look routine that he might normally make. But if we’re winning games how we’re winning them and he’s having average days, I think that bodes well for us forward." With their balanced attack and strong defense, the Thunder appear poised to take control of the series.
