Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his biggest performance of the postseason, scoring 38 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 in Game 4, completing a first-round sweep.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Out to Close the Series
After battling shooting struggles through the first three games, Gilgeous-Alexander erupted in the closeout:
-
Hit his first seven shots
-
Finished 13-of-24 from the field
-
Added 5 assists and 4 rebounds
“In the past, I definitely would’ve shied away from the moment,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I think I’ve taken a step mentally.”
The Thunder needed every bit of it to fend off a desperate Memphis team.
Game 4 Key Performers
Oklahoma City Thunder:
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 38 points
-
Jalen Williams: 23 points, 5 assists
-
Chet Holmgren: Anchored the defense with 3 blocks
Memphis Grizzlies:
-
Desmond Bane: 28 points
-
Jaren Jackson Jr.: 21 points, 8 rebounds
Thunder’s Defense Seals the Sweep
Oklahoma City’s suffocating defense made the difference:
-
Forced 22 Memphis turnovers
-
Scored 32 points off turnovers in Game 4
-
Outscored Memphis 103-56 off turnovers across the series
Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso led the defensive charge, stifling the Grizzlies’ offense down the stretch.
What’s Next
-
Next Opponent: Winner of Nuggets-Clippers series
-
Rest Advantage: Thunder get valuable recovery time after quick sweep
-
Focus: Continue riding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s momentum into Round 2
For now, the Thunder have made a statement — and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff star is still rising.
