The Oklahoma City Thunder took control with a 118-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a 2-0 series lead behind stifling defense and relentless effort. The Thunder held Memphis to under 100 points for the second consecutive game.
Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said that his team’s struggles go beyond turnovers, citing losses in the possession game and rebounding battle, particularly on offense, where opponents grab nearly 30% of rebounds. This is pressuring the team’s shot quality, and these issues stem from the same underlying problems, he said.
Iisalo admitted that the Thunder’s active defense is disrupting the Grizzlies’ offense, particularly when setting screens and on drives. He noted that OKC’s anticipation and ability to stay on passing lanes are making it hard for Memphis to execute their plays and complete kick-out passes.
Iisalo had a simple message for his team, “Let’s get on the plane as soon as possible. They took care of their business — now it’s time for us to take care of our business at home.”
Iisalo said his team started competing seriously in the third quarter and played nearly even from there on. However, he emphasized the need to maintain that level of competition for the entire 48 minutes and adopt an attack mindset from the start.
After a rough Game 1, Jaren Jackson Jr. bounced back with a strong performance, scoring 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting to lead the Grizzlies.
Jackson Jr. noted that Game 2 was a big improvement from Game 1 and credited the team’s more aggressive attitude for the change, trying to “hit first” rather than react. But it wasn’t enough.
The 25-year-old big man said he read the defense better in Game 2, being more proactive and avoiding getting doubled or tripled as easily as he did in Game 1.
He went on to say playing a strong team like the Thunder is fun and motivating, pushing them to be their best and get better. It’s a challenge they need to accept.
“It’s a series. You never get too high or too low about anything. You’ve got to go home and take care of business,” Jackson Jr. said after the game. “Ride the wave of the home crowd and protect home court. Have that confidence and that swag.”
Ja Morant added 23 points and six assists. He wasn’t happy with himself after the team’s second consecutive blowout loss.
“I’ve got to be better. It’s simple,” Morant vowed after Tuesday’s loss. “If I be better, we’ll be better.”
Iisalo emphasized the need for better “quality” in the team’s offense, including improved entries, separation, screening, and spacing, to get players like Morant going.
Desmond Bane rebounded from a modest 9-point performance in Game 1, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2.
Bane said the Grizzlies executed better and took care of the ball more in Game 2, but still made mistakes that good teams in the playoffs capitalize on. He emphasized the need to clean up those errors.
The Thunder scored 25 points off 15 Grizzlies turnovers and dominated in transition, outscoring Memphis 21-3 in fast-break points.
“We’re getting beat to some loose balls. That’s stopping our transition,” said Bane. “They’re putting a lot of pressure on Ja and some of our other guys. We’ve just got to have multiple guys willing to push the ball and get us out in transition.”
Bane said the key is to play with confidence, trust each other, and play freely, which will lead to the shots falling and have fun.
The Grizzlies will host Game 3 against the Thunder at FedExForum on Thursday, April 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM CT. You can catch the action on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
