The Memphis Grizzlies fell short to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night at FedEx Forum. With a final score of 118-112, the Thunder’s win over the Grizzlies completed their sweep of the season series against Memphis.
It was a night for celebration for Memphis fans, insomuch as anything has been this season.
Desmond Bane returned to the lineup for the first time since January 12th.
Jaren Jackson Jr. returned after a two-game absence.
In a season that has been plagued by injuries, the return of key members of the starting lineup was something to be excited about.
It is fitting that Desmond Bane scored the first points of the game, hitting a three-pointer on his first attempt since January. Bane shot two of two from three-point range in the first quarter, scoring six points and two assists in just under eight minutes to start the game.
The game started okay, but as we have seen many times this season, this Memphis team was not able to keep it together down the stretch and was not able to overcome the lead Oklahoma City had built over the first three quarters.
Surprisingly, the Thunder’s leading scorer in this matchup was not MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished the night with 20 points, but sophomore forward Jalen Williams with 23 points and rookie center Chet Holmgren with 22 points.
Memphis outshot the Thunder from beyond the arc handily (40.9 percent vs. 34.3 percent) and from the free-throw line barely (76.9 percent vs. 76.2 percent). Oklahoma City did better in overall field goal shooting (51.7 percent vs. 45.7 percent) as well as having seven more shot attempts than Memphis.
Desmond Bane led the team in his return with 22 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one block while shooting four of nine from beyond the arc.
Jaren Jackson Jr. added 19 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block while shooting three of four from three and seven of 11 overall.
GG Jackson also put up 19 points along with four rebounds, four assists, and one block.
Santi Aldama finished the night with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
From the second unit, Jake LaRavia added 14 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are hitting the road again, this time headed to the West Coast. They will face off against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, March 18th.
This is going to be a late game, so get your caffeinated beverages of choice ready.
Tip-off is at 9 p.m. CDT.
