Thunder/Grizzlies Live Blog
An injury update, no Steven Adams, who is feeling the effects of a left lower leg contusion from when JaVale McGee fell on him on Wednesday. Mike Muscala is still in concussion protocol, and Dennis Schroder is out for personal reasons.
First Quarter:
Right now, the pace of this game is favoring the Grizzlies, back and forth, shots going up early in the shot clock. The Thunder did an excellent job of slowing things down the first couple of possessions, need to go back to that pace.
Dort with a couple of threes early, giving OKC that fifth, scoring option in the starting lineup. Lu Dort is on fire! Three from beyond the arc.
The ball movement was better the last few trips down the floor. The Thunder is doing an excellent job of getting better looks at the basket. Chris Paul to the bench.
Kevin Hervey, on the floor, to play the five, giving Noel some time to rest. Diallo with five points already!
Thunder dominates the first 12 minutes. 37-25, shooting Shooting 52 percent from the field and 54 percent from three. Dort 4/5 for 11 points.
Second Quarter:
Memphis is not working the ball inside, and they aren't getting multiple looks at the basket. Thunder content to let the Grizzlies shoot themselves out of this game.
I soon as I write that, Anthony Toliver hits a three to make it a one-possession game.
Thunder has quit passing the ball on offense. They are the ones who are shooting themselves out of this game—what a strange ebb and flow.
Oklahoma City being outscored 33-17 in the second quarter. Noel on the bench with two fouls. Nice hustle from Dort, did you see how he kept his eyes on the ball, even with Tolliver bumping him?
Then he takes the shot in the back and gets up as if it were nothing. Flagrant foul on Dillon Brooks. Missing both free throws not good, but I'll take the football player mentality.
That my friend is how you close out a quarter! Six quick points in less than four seconds. Gallinari, followed by Chirs Paul being in the right place at the right time to pick up the turnover and nail the corner three.
63-60 Memphis at halftime.
Third Quarter:
Dillion Brooks picking up his fourth foul after the charge on Dort. Oklahoma City hasn't had the lead since 6:37 in the second quarter.
We wanted to see Bazley play center, well now we get our chance. Oklahoma City refuses to slow the game down. Deonte Burton, in for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
20 point lead for Memphis, till Gilgous-Alexander hit that three.
95-78 Memphis going into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter:
The Thunder was missing Steven Adams and Mike Muscala today, but give credit to the Grizzlies for playing as their lives depended on it.
It's good to see Terrace Ferguson back, one of the few bright spots in today's game.
