Memphis Grizzlies @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Game ID: 22300355
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
OKC 34 34 26 22 116MEM 26 27 13 31 97
ESPN UpdateESPN Update
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 in 3 quarters as Thunder roll past Grizzlies 116-97
OKLAHOMA CITY -- — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and nine rebounds in three quarters to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Memphis 116-97 on Monday night in the Grizzlies' final game before Ja Morant returns from his suspension.
Memphis lost its fifth straight, but help is on the way. Morant, the team’s star point guard, is eligible to return Tuesday at New Orleans. He was suspended for the first 25 games this season after being caught holding up a handgun during a livestream video in May.
Morant, one of the NBA's most electrifying players, averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds in 61 games last season. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said he expects Morant to play significant minutes in his first game back.
“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. But I don’t think it’s any kind of restriction, you know, low minutes or anything like that.”
Things continued to go well for Oklahoma City, which remained in second place in the Western Conference standings. Gilgeous-Alexander hit a game-winner at Denver on Saturday night and followed it up by making 8 of 18 field goals and 13 of 14 free throws against Memphis.
Chet Holmgren had 17 points, seven blocks and six rebounds. Josh Giddey added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won four of five.
Holmgren, a rookie, has blocked 15 shots over the past two games.
“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. 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.”
Holmgren is averaging 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in December.
“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.”
Ziaire Williams scored 19 points and Desmond Bane added 17 for the Grizzlies (6-19), who have lost five straight. Jaren Jackson Jr ., who had scored at least 40 points in two of his past three games, finished with 11.
Memphis was without guards Marcus Smart (sprained left foot) and Derrick Rose (strained left hamstring), among other players. The Grizzlies shot 35.3% from the field.
Memphis looked overmatched. The Thunder led 68-53 at halftime behind 17 points from Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren had 12 points and five blocks before the break.
Oklahoma City held Memphis to 2-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to take a 94-66 lead into the fourth.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: Visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
Thunder: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
BaGiJrTiJr 7 20 -2 7 15 47 6 11 55 0 0 0 2 6 8 4 0 0 2 2
MEM Bane, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Tillman, Williams Jr.
in Bane, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Tillman, Williams Jr.
out ---
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlBaKoTiJr 2 2 -2 1 4 25 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 2
MEM Aldama, Bane, Konchar, Tillman, Williams Jr.
in Aldama, Konchar
out Gilyard, Jackson Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlGiJrKoRo 2 4 -2 1 1 100 0 0 0 2 3 67 0 2 2 1 0 0 3 2
MEM Aldama, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Konchar, Roddy
in Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Roddy
out Bane, Tillman, Williams Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlGiKoRoJr 1 0 -2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
MEM Aldama, Gilyard, Konchar, Roddy, Williams Jr.
in Williams Jr.
out Jackson Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlGiJrRoWi 3 10 +5 4 6 67 1 3 33 1 1 100 0 2 2 4 0 0 1 0
MEM Aldama, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Roddy, Williams
in Jackson Jr., Williams
out Konchar, Williams Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
BaKoRoTiWi 2 5 0 2 4 50 1 3 33 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 0
MEM Bane, Konchar, Roddy, Tillman, Williams
in Bane, Konchar, Tillman
out Aldama, Gilyard, Jackson Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
BaKoTiWiJr 4 5 -4 2 6 33 1 3 33 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 2 0 2 0
MEM Bane, Konchar, Tillman, Williams, Williams Jr.
in Williams Jr.
out Roddy
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlBaGiJrJr 2 4 -2 1 5 20 1 2 50 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
MEM Aldama, Bane, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Williams Jr.
in Aldama, Gilyard, Jackson Jr.
out Konchar, Tillman, Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
BaGiJrTiJr 3 3 -1 1 5 20 1 3 33 0 0 0 0 4 4 1 1 0 2 2
MEM Bane, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Tillman, Williams Jr.
in Tillman
out Aldama
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlBaGiJrJr 3 2 -4 0 6 0 0 3 0 2 2 100 1 3 4 0 0 1 1 1
MEM Aldama, Bane, Gilyard, Jackson Jr., Williams Jr.
in Aldama
out Tillman
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlJrKoRoJr 1 0 -7 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
MEM Aldama, Jackson Jr., Konchar, Roddy, Williams Jr.
in Konchar, Roddy
out Bane, Gilyard
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlBaJrKoRo 3 6 0 1 4 25 1 4 25 3 4 75 0 5 5 1 1 0 3 0
MEM Aldama, Bane, Jackson Jr., Konchar, Roddy
in Bane
out Williams Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
AlBaKoRoTi 1 2 -1 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 2 100 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 2
MEM Aldama, Bane, Konchar, Roddy, Tillman
in Tillman
out Jackson Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiJaLaTiWi 5 11 -1 4 9 44 3 7 43 0 0 0 1 3 4 4 0 2 2 2
MEM Gilyard, Jackson, LaRavia, Tillman, Williams
in Gilyard, Jackson, LaRavia, Williams
out Aldama, Bane, Konchar, Roddy
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiJaLaRoWi 7 20 +10 5 10 50 3 6 50 7 7 100 1 5 6 4 1 0 3 2
MEM Gilyard, Jackson, LaRavia, Roddy, Williams
in Roddy
out Tillman
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DoGiGiHoWi 7 22 +2 8 15 53 3 7 43 3 3 100 1 6 7 7 2 3 1 0
OKC Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jal. Williams
in Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jal. Williams
out ---
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DoGiWiWiWa 1 4 +2 1 1 100 0 0 0 2 2 100 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
OKC Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jay. Williams, K. Williams, Wallace
in Jay. Williams, K. Williams, Wallace
out Giddey, Holmgren, Jal. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiWiJoWiWa 2 4 0 2 5 40 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 3
OKC Gilgeous-Alexander, Jay. Williams, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
in Joe
out Dort
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiHoJoWiWa 1 4 +4 1 2 50 0 1 0 2 2 100 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 0
OKC Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
in Holmgren
out Jay. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiHoWiJoWi 3 5 -5 2 5 40 1 2 50 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 1 1
OKC Dieng, Holmgren, Jal. Williams, Joe, Wiggins
in Dieng, Jal. Williams, Wiggins
out Gilgeous-Alexander, K. Williams, Wallace
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiGiHoWiWi 4 11 +3 5 10 50 1 3 33 0 0 0 2 3 5 1 1 2 1 0
OKC Dieng, Giddey, Holmgren, Jal. Williams, Wiggins
in Giddey
out Joe
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DoGiJoWiWa 4 13 +7 5 7 71 3 5 60 0 0 0 1 4 5 3 1 0 2 2
OKC Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
in Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
out Dieng, Giddey, Holmgren, Jal. Williams, Wiggins
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DoGiGiHoWi 7 15 +10 5 15 33 2 7 29 1 2 50 2 10 12 4 3 2 1 3
OKC Dort, Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jal. Williams
in Giddey, Holmgren, Jal. Williams
out Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DoGiHoWiWa 2 4 +1 2 3 67 0 0 0 2 2 100 0 2 2 2 0 1 1 0
OKC Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, K. Williams, Wallace
in K. Williams, Wallace
out Giddey, Jal. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiWiJoWiWa 2 4 +3 1 5 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 2 0 0 2
OKC Gilgeous-Alexander, Jay. Williams, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
in Jay. Williams, Joe
out Dort, Holmgren
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
GiWiJoWiWa 1 3 +1 1 2 50 0 0 0 3 4 75 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 1
OKC Gilgeous-Alexander, Jal. Williams, Joe, K. Williams, Wallace
in Jal. Williams
out Jay. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiGiWiWiJo 4 6 -5 2 7 29 0 3 0 2 2 100 1 2 3 1 1 0 2 0
OKC Dieng, Giddey, Jal. Williams, Jay. Williams, Joe
in Dieng, Giddey, Jay. Williams
out Gilgeous-Alexander, K. Williams, Wallace
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiGiWiJoWi :51 6 +6 2 2 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0
OKC Dieng, Giddey, Jal. Williams, Joe, K. Williams
in K. Williams
out Jay. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiMaMiSaWa 3 2 -5 1 4 25 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 2
OKC Dieng, Mann, Micić, Sarr, Wallace
in Mann, Micić, Sarr, Wallace
out Giddey, Jal. Williams, Joe, K. Williams
Lineup MIN PTS PM FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR REB AST STL BLK TO PF
DiMaMiSaWi 4 6 -6 3 8 38 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 0 0 1 2
OKC Dieng, Mann, Micić, Sarr, Wiggins
in Wiggins
out Wallace
Who is who
the initials in the Players column
OKCAW A. Wiggins
CH C. Holmgren
CW C. Wallace
IJ I. Joe
JG J. Giddey
JW J. Williams
JW Jal. Williams
KW K. Williams
LD L. Dort
OD O. Dieng
OS O. Sarr
SG S. Gilgeous-Alexander
TM T. Mann
VM V. Micić
MEMDB D. Bane
DR D. Roddy
GJ G. Jackson
JG J. Gilyard
JJ J. Jackson Jr.
JK J. Konchar
JL J. LaRavia
SA S. Aldama
VW V. Williams Jr.
XT X. Tillman
ZW Z. Williams
OKC/MEM the team itself, not a player
-- the feed named nobody
What
What happened
the codes in the Events column
M2 / M3 made 2 / made 3
X2 / X3 missed 2 / missed 3
FT / X1 free throw made / missed
AST assist
OR / DR offensive / defensive rebound
STL steal
BLK block
TO turnover
FL foul
OF offensive foul — ends the possession
VIOL violation
JUMP jump ball
TM timeout
IR instant replay
HE heave at the buzzer, filed to the team
Where
Where a shot came from
the middle field of M3.LW.25
RM at the rim inside 4 ft
RC right corner
RW right wing
SO straight on
LW left wing
LC left corner
M3.LW.25 made 3, left wing, 25 ft
X2.RM.01 missed 2, at the rim, 1 ft
When
When it happened
the Offset column
one number per event, in the Events order:
whole seconds from the start of the
possession to that event
Events FL X3.RC.23 OR M2.RM.01
Offset 0 18 22 24
the foul opens the possession at 0s;
the putback ends it at 24s, which is
the possession's own Dur