The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 26-point halftime deficit to secure a 114-108 win over the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday and are only one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
Chet Holmgren scored 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter to spark Oklahoma City’s rally. The team outscored Memphis 74-41 after Ja Morant’s exit in the second quarter due to a hip contusion.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s stifling defense held the Memphis Grizzlies to only 31 points on 9-for-36 shooting from the field and 13 turnovers after the halftime break. After the game, Alex Caruso praised his team for not giving up when things weren’t going their way.
“Our defense is our superpower,” Caruso said via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “When we’re locked in on that side of the ball, we’re an unstoppable force. From there, momentum was on our side. That’s a dangerous thing in the playoffs.”
Alex Caruso gave the Oklahoma City Thunder a much-needed spark
Chet Holmgren gave the Oklahoma City Thunder the offensive boost it needed in the third quarter. However, Alex Caruso’s defense and experience put the nail in the coffin in the final quarter.
Credit: USA Today
The one-time NBA champion was all over the court, whether it was shutting down Jaren Jackson Jr. on the low block or flying by to contest John Konchar’s late three-point attempt and ending up with the game-clinching layup on the other end.
Caruso finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block on 4-for-7 shooting from the field in 23 minutes.
