The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered one of the greatest playoff comebacks in NBA history, rallying from a 26-point halftime deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108 on Thursday night and take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
Historic Thunder Turnaround
Oklahoma City outscored Memphis 74-41 after halftime, setting the record for the largest second-half comeback in NBA playoff history.
The comeback ranks as the second-biggest in any playoff game, behind only the Clippers’ 31-point rally against the Warriors in 2019. Ironically, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — who led the Thunder with 31 points — was a rookie on that Clippers team.
“If they could build it, we could erase it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “That’s how we see it.”
Chet Holmgren Sparks the Rally
After a scoreless first half, Chet Holmgren exploded for 16 points in the third quarter, hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. His scoring surge flipped the game’s momentum and fueled Oklahoma City’s charge.
Coach Mark Daigneault drew up the first play of the second half for Holmgren, a decision that Holmgren said restored his confidence.
“Once I saw one go in, I felt good,” Holmgren said. He finished with 24 points.
Defense Turns the Tide
Oklahoma City’s defense — already ranked No. 1 during the regular season — suffocated the Grizzlies in the second half:
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Memphis shot just 9-of-36 after halftime, including 3-of-20 from deep.
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The Grizzlies committed 13 turnovers and scored only 41 second-half points.
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Oklahoma City capitalized with 15 points off turnovers in the third quarter alone.
“Our defense is our superpower,” Alex Caruso said after recording four second-half steals.
Grizzlies Face Elimination
Memphis’ hopes faded further after Ja Morant exited late in the second quarter with a hip injury following a hard fall. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged that execution was missing.
“It’s not enough to fight,” Iisalo said. “You also have to execute.”
Facing a 3-0 deficit and Morant’s uncertain status, the Grizzlies now need a miracle to keep their season alive.
