Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder went to the semi-final of the Western Conference by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 on Saturday to complete four-game Sweep.
Jalen Williams added 23 points for the top-ranking Thunder, who led the NBA with a record of 68-14 this season and the first team became the second round. They will wait for the fourth placed Denver Nuggets or no. 5 Los Angeles Clippers in the next round.
“I didn’t feel that my way of thinking was different,” said Gilgous-Alexander. “Every night I get on the floor to be the best version of myself.
The Grizzlies played without a star protector Ja Morant, who bruised his left hip in a hard fall.
“Their fight tonight was impressive, said Thunder -coach Mark Daigneault.” 3-0 down, down Morant and Down 11 with four (minutes) to go. A lot of respect for them competing. “
Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe had 11 points each for the Thunder, with Hartenstein adding 12 rebounds.
Scotty Pips Jr. Coided his career high with 30 points and took 11 Reboubs. Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama had 23 points each.
“Scotty has sent the end of the season enormously. He really consisted of,” said Grizzlies Interim -Coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The game was close to three -quarters with the Neithher team that built a considerable advantage. Oklahoma City led 88-85 in the fourth. At that time, the Thunder was 4-year-old from a 3-point range.
The 3-Pointer of Williams with 5:41 in the game gave the Thunder on a 102-92 lead, the first time that Eithher team is rear for the double digit benefit. The lead would reach 11 before Memphis gathered and 3-Pointer from Bane with 7.1 seconds transferred him to 116-114.
Williams split a few free throws with 6 seconds and the Thunder Foled Bane try. He made the first, but Memphis could not return his attempt, Miss from the second.
“We could have been a bit tighter when we built the lead (until 11 in the fourth quarter),” said Daigneault. “I thought we were a bit loose on defensive possessions Spectify. Once it was tightened, I thought everything was from the execution to clock management … was all Vray Positive.”
After six main changes and five tires in half, Oklahoma City led 60-59 during the break.
“We fought, everyone in this team. Like, there was zero put in this team,” said Iisalo, adding the grizzlies just couldn’t close the game.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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