Tim MacMahonApr 23, 2025, 12:15 AM ET
Shut
- Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009
- Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks
- Seems steadily on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM
OKLAHOMA CITY — For the primary time all sequence, it felt just like the Memphis Grizzlies may make it aggressive once they trimmed the Oklahoma Town Thunder’s result in unmarried digits halfway in the course of the 3rd quarter of Tuesday evening’s Recreation 2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s main scorer, answered with buckets at the subsequent two possessions, hitting a midrange jumper after which lofting a turnaround over 7-foot-4 Zach Edey’s outstretched arm.
Memphis by no means controlled to make a major danger because the Thunder pulled away for a 118-99 win to take a 2-0 lead within the Western Convention first-round sequence.
That collection has been the exception for Gilgeous-Alexander within the sequence. The Thunder have cruised to a few wins regardless of a couple of off taking pictures performances via the most probably league MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander is taking pictures 32.6% from the ground within the sequence after completing with 27 issues on 10-of-29 taking pictures Tuesday evening.
“I believe like I am getting appears I most often make and simply lacking them,” mentioned Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 issues in keeping with sport on 51.7% taking pictures right through the common season. “That is a part of basketball. It is ups and downs, makes and misses. As a result of my staff is actually just right, we’ve got gained two video games via a tight margin. They have got had my again those final two nights. With a bit of luck, I pick out it up quickly.”
Editor’s Alternatives
2 Comparable
Oklahoma Town, which broke the NBA document for the most efficient level differential (plus-12.9 in keeping with sport) this season, gained the primary two video games of this sequence via a mixed 70 issues. In keeping with ESPN Analysis, it is the second-highest level differential ever within the first two video games of a playoff sequence, trailing handiest the 1986 Los Angeles Lakers beating the San Antonio Spurs via a mixed 75 issues in 1986.
The Thunder have ruled the Grizzlies with smothering protection — they have got allowed a rapid Memphis squad to attain handiest 8 fast-break issues in two video games — and balanced offense.
Ahead Jalen Williams (24 issues) and gear ahead/heart Chet Holmgren (20 issues) starred offensively for the Thunder in Recreation 2. The Thunder had a 33-14 merit in bench scoring, led via Alex Caruso’s 13 issues.
Oklahoma Town had six scorers in double figures in Recreation 1, led via tenth guy Aaron Wiggins’ 21 issues.
“It is not anything new,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned of Oklahoma Town’s exceptional intensity. “We have now observed all of it 12 months. It is why we have now the document we have now.”
Gilgeous-Alexander contributed in alternative ways, as he has all season. He had 8 rebounds, 5 assists and a couple of steals.
The Thunder have outscored the Grizzlies via 40 issues with Gilgeous-Alexander at the flooring within the sequence.
“He does such a lot [more] thru all the process the sport than simply scoring for our staff, and I believe that is appearing up,” Caruso mentioned. “He may leave out a pair photographs that glance regimen that he may typically make. But when we are successful video games how we are successful them and he is having moderate days, I believe that bodes neatly for us ahead.”
