The Oklahoma City Thunder justified their status as the runaway favorites to emerge as this year’s NBA Finalists after an impressive Game 1 outing against the Memphis Grizzlies.
While the Grizzlies’ lopsided loss was self-inflicted to some capacity, it’s also clear that the team haa an incredible roster of players. Not only is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander one of the best guards in today’s NBA, but the roster is full of outstanding players who thrive in their respective roles.
The Grizzlies played a better brand of basketball in Game 2, but the team that had to endure late-season drama couldn’t get over the insurmountable wall that is the Thunder.
Nobody expects the Grizzlies to defeat the Thunder in any shape or form, but Mike Daigneault looks at things differently. He stated in the post-game presser that complacency is the last thing he wants to see out of his players.
Mike Daigneault wants the Oklahoma City Thunder to be clinical as they head to Memphis for Game 3 against the Grizzlies
Daily Thunder’s Brandon Rahbar was among the media present when Daigneaut talked about the improved performance of Grizzlies’ stars and directly warned his team about the kind of atmosphere they would deal with.
“When we go to Memphis, we gotta expect those guys to be super impressive,” Daigneault said. “They’re going back to their home crowd where they play really well.”
Daigneault’s statements came from a place of understanding. Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane all played great games against the Thunder, with Bane’s 19-point, 12-rebound, and 4-assist game the most impressive among them. Even Scottie Pippen Jr. had a strong outing against OKC, grabbing 13 points against a robust Thunder defense.
However, none of this amounts to anything if their defense can’t stop SGA and the Thunder from doing whatever they want. Shai was effective against the Grizzlies, scoring 27 points while bagging eight boards and five assists. The Grizzlies also found it hard to contain Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
It wouldn’t be strange to expect the Thunder to come into Tennessee as favorites to sweep the hapless Grizzlies. It’s also nice for Thunder fans that their head tactician isn’t allowing complacency a place on their roster.
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