The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to prove that injuries are no excuse for losing basketball games.
Despite missing several important players, Oklahoma City dominated the Memphis Grizzlies 128–97 on Friday night at FedExForum, delivering another impressive victory in NBA Cup group play.
Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 35 points on 14-for-20 shooting, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points. Jared McCain also impressed with 21 points as Oklahoma City overwhelmed Memphis with its shooting and ability to score inside.
The victory was especially impressive considering the Thunder were without Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.
First Quarter: Memphis Starts Strong, but Oklahoma City Responds
The opening minutes were competitive, with Memphis finding early success through Zach Edey and Ty Jerome.
Jerome connected on several floaters, while Edey scored around the basket. Cameron Boozer also contributed as Memphis established a 16–10 advantage midway through the quarter.
However, Oklahoma City quickly turned things around.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored inside before Mitchell connected on a three-pointer to bring the Thunder within one point.
McCain then took over for a brief stretch. He drilled consecutive three-pointers, including one following a steal against Jerami Grant, to put Oklahoma City ahead 21–16.
Memphis remained within striking distance thanks to contributions from Cam Spencer, Javon Small and Cedric Coward.
But Gilgeous-Alexander continued producing offensively, scoring on a pull-up jumper, a step-back three-pointer and a floater.
Bennett Stirtz connected on a three-pointer in the closing seconds, giving Oklahoma City a 35–28 advantage after the first quarter.
Second Quarter: Thunder Begin Taking Control
Oklahoma City carried its momentum into the second quarter.
Mitchell opened the period with consecutive baskets, while Stirtz and Josh Dix contributed to the Thunder’s growing advantage.
Memphis attempted to respond through Edey and Jerome, but Oklahoma City’s offensive efficiency made it difficult for the Grizzlies to close the gap.
Dix connected from beyond the arc and added a layup, while Alex Caruso scored on a driving floater.
Mitchell then finished a layup assisted by Caruso, extending Oklahoma City’s lead to 50–36 and forcing Memphis into a timeout.
The Thunder continued attacking the basket and moving the ball effectively, building a comfortable advantage heading into halftime.
Third Quarter: Oklahoma City Puts the Game Out of Reach
Memphis needed a strong response after halftime, but Oklahoma City refused to allow the Grizzlies back into the contest.
Mitchell continued his excellent shooting performance, while Gilgeous-Alexander remained a reliable scoring option.
The Thunder’s ability to attack the paint created opportunities throughout the quarter. When Memphis attempted to protect the basket, Oklahoma City’s outside shooting made the defensive challenge even more difficult.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies struggled to generate consistent offense.
Cameron Boozer endured a particularly difficult shooting night, and Memphis continued missing opportunities from three-point range.
Oklahoma City’s advantage grew as the Thunder maintained control on both ends of the floor.
By the end of the third quarter, the outcome was no longer seriously in doubt.
Fourth Quarter: Thunder Complete the Blowout
With a commanding advantage entering the final period, Oklahoma City focused on closing out the game.
The Thunder continued getting contributions throughout their rotation, allowing them to maintain their lead without relying exclusively on Gilgeous-Alexander.
Memphis never produced the sustained scoring run necessary to threaten a comeback.
Both teams eventually turned to their reserves as Oklahoma City completed a dominant 128–97 victory.
Oklahoma City’s Shooting Makes the Difference
The Thunder’s offensive efficiency was remarkable.
Oklahoma City finished shooting 55% from the field and 46% from three-point range, making 16 three-pointers.
Memphis, meanwhile, shot just 33% overall and 22% from beyond the arc, connecting on only 10 of its 45 three-point attempts.
The biggest difference came inside, where Oklahoma City outscored Memphis 62–32 in the paint.
Mitchell was the standout performer with 35 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 28 points and four assists. McCain added 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
For Memphis, Ty Jerome finished with 21 points and five assists, while Edey scored 14 points.
Boozer collected 12 rebounds but struggled offensively, finishing with eight points on 2-for-14 shooting, including 0-for-8 from three-point range.
Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Matter Who Is Injured — Oklahoma City Keeps Winning
The most impressive part of Oklahoma City’s victory wasn’t the 31-point margin. It was the fact that the Thunder produced such a convincing performance while missing several important players.
Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Wallace are significant pieces of Oklahoma City’s rotation. Their absences would create serious problems for many teams.
Yet the Thunder continue finding ways to win.
Earlier this week, Gilgeous-Alexander carried a heavier scoring responsibility with consecutive performances of more than 40 points against Cleveland.
Against Memphis, Mitchell stepped forward with 35 points, McCain delivered 21, and the entire team contributed to a dominant offensive performance.
That’s what makes Oklahoma City so dangerous. The Thunder aren’t dependent on one player having an extraordinary night. They have depth, a clear system and players who are ready to take advantage of their opportunities.
The victory improves Oklahoma City’s record to 7–2, while Memphis falls to 6–3.
Injuries may change Oklahoma City’s lineup, but they haven’t changed the team’s expectations.
Regardless of who’s available, the Thunder expect to win — and they keep proving why.
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