The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the Western Conference semifinals. They did so by eking out a hard-fought 117-115 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday. The Thunder accomplished a rare feat, defeating the Grizzlies in four straight games. This second win over Los Angeles secures their claim to the best record, top-seeded team. During this campaign, the Thunder thus far are tops in the league with a phenomenal 68-14 record.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the brightest star on the court, scoring a sensational 38-point game. To be fair, his performance was critical in keeping the Thunder’s vice-grip over the series agitated. Jalen Williams had a big role in the victory, too, scoring 23 points and the team’s only double-digit total. Their contagious energy made the Thunder the first team to advance to the second round this postseason. This accomplishment only underscores their total dominance throughout the regular season.
The Thunder attached either Adams or offensive fulcrum Steven Adams to the action, putting their playmaking often to work under duress against the Grizzlies’ stifling defense. Memphis came out swinging and punched Oklahoma City in the mouth, but the Thunder’s response was overwhelming offense and suffocating defense. This enabled them to maintain a slight advantage for the entire game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing to get their semifinal playoff series underway. They’ll face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers. The fourth and fifth seeds have not completed their first round matchup. That doesn’t mean the Thunder aren’t prepared for whatever on- or off-court challenges await them.
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