Oklahoma City’s dominance over Memphis reached new heights on Friday night, as the Thunder dismantled the Grizzlies 128-97 in a decisive NBA Cup group stage victory. The centerpiece of the blowout was Ajay Mitchell, who erupted for a career-high 35 points to lead the scoring attack. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander complemented Mitchell’s performance with 28 points, while Jared McCain contributed 21, showcasing the depth of Oklahoma City’s offensive firepower. This win marks the 16th consecutive victory for the Thunder over Memphis, a streak that includes a four-game sweep during the 2025 playoffs, solidifying their status as the clear superior team in this matchup.
OKC extends historic 16-game winning streak with efficient 55% shooting display.
The Thunder’s offensive efficiency was the primary driver of the rout, with the team shooting an impressive 55% from the field. Oklahoma City found its rhythm early, making 13 of their 26 three-point attempts through the first three quarters. The momentum peaked in the closing minutes of the third quarter, where the Thunder converted at a clip of just under 60%, effectively putting the game out of reach before the fourth period began. This high-volume scoring was supported by disciplined team defense, as Oklahoma City forced 18 turnovers and capitalized on them for 30 points, a significant margin that Memphis could not overcome.
For Memphis, the night was defined by limited offensive production and an inability to contain Oklahoma City’s pace. Ty Jerome led the Grizzlies with 21 points, while center Zach Edey added 14. Rookie Cameron Boozer struggled offensively, finishing with just eight points, though he did provide a spark on the glass with 12 rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the Grizzlies could not match the Thunder’s shooting percentage or turnover margin. The result underscores the disparity between the two teams, with Oklahoma City continuing to build momentum in the NBA Cup standings while Memphis searches for a way to break their long-standing losing streak against the Thunder.
Source: Yahoo Sports
