Stiles Points: OKC Thunder Have Strength In Numbers
The Oklahoma City Thunder escaped Memphis with a win on Saturday, beating the lowly Grizzlies for the second time this week. However, unlike Sunday's wire-to-wire dominating victory, the Thunder had to outlast the Grizzlies with their depth.
The Thunder were able to count on their depth to help them survive Memphis revealing a strength of theirs heading into critical games down the stretch of this season.
Isaiah Joe popped off the pine to turn in 10 points, hauling in two rebounds, an assist and a steal. Kenrich Williams once again played his small ball role well being a +18 in his 13 minutes including a monster block, steal, three rebounds, an assist and six points.
Rookie Cason Wallace was able to seamlessly fit into the closing lineups as he has throughout the season making an all-around impact. Wallace provides high-level defense while being in the right place at the right time offensively. His night in Memphis produced four points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals.
Gordon Hayward's floor spacing allows the Thunder offensive to click with a better-than-expected defensive ability in OKC's unique style as he and Aaron Wiggins combined for eight points in this modern-day low-scoring affair you can clearly see the bench impact.
The true strength of Mark Daigneault's rotation is the ability to flip through the roster and find the right combination to match what the game calls for. With small ball lineups, double big lineups, pure shooting lineups and an ability to deploy a suffocating defensive lineup, the Thunder can counter and match whatever the opposition throws at them.
Stiles Points
- Chet Holmgren posted 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks in this game making some game-swinging plays to help lift Oklahoma City past Memphis.
- The first half saw Oklahoma City grit its teeth on defense while surviving 21 lead changes. Aside from a tie midway through the third frame, the Thunder went wire-to-wire in the second half on their way to a win.
- OKC won the rebounding battle, second chance points, fast break points and points in the paint controlling this game more than the 118-112 score suggests.
- The Thunder are back in first place in the Western Conference with three straight off days before hosting the Utah Jazz on Wednesday to break up a four-game road stretch
Song of the Day: With a Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles.
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