OKLAHOMA CITY — The Memphis Grizzlies came into Game 2 trying to respond to a historic beatdown. Instead, they ran into the same problem: the Thunder don’t flinch.
Behind 27 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a suffocating defensive start, the top-seeded Thunder rolled to a 118–99 win Tuesday night, locking in a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
“We never underestimate our opponent, no matter what,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters postgame. Memphis missed their first 10 shots and didn’t score for over three and a half minutes. Oklahoma City jumped out with a 9-0 run and never looked back.
Jalen Williams added 24 points, and rookie Chet Holmgren made his presence felt with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks—proving the moment isn’t too big for the 7-footer.
“Everybody that touched the court played with confidence,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “We’re going to need that—because different guys will rise on different nights.”
Oklahoma City is making it clear: this isn’t the same team from past rebuilds. This is a playoff-ready squad with an identity, chemistry, and no fear of expectations.
Thunder storms past Grizzlies in Game 2
Their record-breaking 131-80 blowout in Game 1 raised eyebrows. Game 2 confirmed it wasn’t a fluke. The Thunder hit a team playoff record 12 threes in the first half and led 70–52 at halftime.
Memphis made a third-quarter push, cutting the lead to single digits. But the Thunder answered fast—and loud.
Cason Wallace faked out 7-foot-4 Zach Edey with a baseline jam that electrified the crowd and pushed the lead back to 18.
The Grizzlies were held scoreless for nearly four minutes to open the fourth quarter. It was the second game in a row they failed to break 100 points.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26, and Ja Morant added 23. But as interim coach Tuomas Iisalo admitted, the fire didn’t show up soon enough.
“Against a team of this caliber, we need that fight for all 48 minutes,” he said.
Game 3 heads to Memphis on Thursday.
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