Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 31 points as Oklahoma City Thunder beat Memphis Grizzlies

On April 24, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder stunned everyone with a remarkable 26-point comeback, winning 114-108 against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series at FedExForum. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with 31 points, and the Thunder's fierce second-half rally left Memphis shaken. Now with a 3-0 series advantage, OKC is just one victory from advancing.
The Grizzlies hit the ground running, sinking 11 of 22 three-pointers in the first half to take a 77-51 lead over the Thunder. Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., and Santi Aldama were all in rhythm, and Luke Kennard's buzzer-beater three, set up by Pippen Jr., had the FedExForum crowd buzzing.
The situation shifted when Morant got injured due to a hard foul by Luguentz Dort while trying to make a fast break. The Grizzlies' offense fell apart, and their 22 turnovers in the series became a major concern. Shooting at just 42.4% from the field, Memphis couldn't maintain their early momentum, particularly as the Thunder's defense, led by Alex Caruso's four steals, stepped up.
In the second half, Oklahoma City changed the game, outscoring Memphis 63-31 led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 31 points, along with eight assists and four rebounds. Jalen Williams also shined with 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points and eight rebounds, solidifying their defense.

The Thunder shot an impressive 50.5%, which really put the Grizzlies on the back foot. Caruso contributed with 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists, and his defense really threw Memphis off their game. This comeback of 26 points is now tied for the second-biggest in NBA playoff history, highlighting OKC's strength and determination.
The game definitely shifted with Morant injury — the Thunder made the most of it. Memphis had a strong first half with Pippen Jr. sinking threes and Jackson Jr. driving hard, but then they let turnovers get the best of them.
Desmond Bane, who only managed a 27-foot three-pointer and struggled with his efficiency (scoring just 9 points in Game 1), couldn't step up. On the other hand, OKC's well-rounded offense and strong defense, highlighted by Vince Williams Jr.'s early defense on Gilgeous-Alexander, were overwhelming. With a 3-0 lead in the series, the Thunder are ready to finish it off, while the Grizzlies have a tough road ahead.
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The Thunder showed they’re a playoff powerhouse. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up big time, and the team really took control in the second half, leaving the Grizzlies in a tough spot. With Game 4 coming up, Memphis needs to pull it together, especially since Morant's situation is still up in the air.