THE Thunder introduced his brooms to Beale Road.
Oklahoma Metropolis beat Memphis 117-115 Saturday afternoon to comb the primary spherical NBA playoffs sequence.
That is the second Balayage of OKC within the first spherical in as a few years.
Let’s transfer on to the notes of the match 4.
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5 take -out dishes: Okc Thunder pushes Memphis’s grizzly grizzly ones for the NBA qualifiers within the first spherical
Alex Caruso: B +
Caruso may have been the MVP of this sequence. Memphis Ballhandlers was imminent at risk every time he was on the bottom. Match 4 was extra or extra the identical factor.
Caruso intimidated Jaren Jackson Jr. – A Jackson confrontation had not made it attainable to lose given his important benefit on Caruso.
Caruso collected six factors, 5 assists, three rebounds, two interceptions and a block. And grip handles.
Extra: How Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander, Okc Thunder swept memphis grizzlies within the NBA qualifiers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: a
We noticed the MVP model of SGA for the primary time this sequence.
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Gilgeous-Aalexander was an ideal 7 out of seven within the first quarter with 16 factors, three assists and with out turnover. His seven of his makes an attempt got here from contained in the arc.
SGA completed with a 38 -point high out of 13 photographs. It was the primary time it was north of fifty% within the sequence.
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3 -point Thunder shot: F
The Thunder was out of Goal all afternoon from behind the arc.
OKC fired 7 out of 35 (20%) from the three -point seaside. The seven 3 factors make Liging a off-season. And as soon as, the Thunder had a worst share of three factors.
Isaiah Joe produced three of the Thunder triples, together with a giant one firstly of the fourth quarter that got here in response to a grizzlies 3.
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Joe led the Thunder’s bench with 11 factors.
Memphis, Tennessee – April 26: Zach Edey # 14 of Memphis Grizzlies blocks the shot from Chet Holmgren # 7 of Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the first half of the fourth match of the NBA qualifiers of the West Convention in Fedexforum on April 26, 2025 in Memphis, Tennesee.
Defend Desmond Bane: a
Desmond Bane didn’t have a superb match 4. Or a superb sequence.
The third piece of Memphis Massive Three shot 7 out of 20 on the sector on Saturday. It was 2 out of 8 of the three -point vary in matches 4 and seven of 32 (22%) for the sequence.
Not what you want a profession shooter of 41% at 3 factors.
Carlson: The mid -range SGA is again. It is nice for the Thunder to maneuver ahead within the NBA qualifiers.
Mark Daigneault Challenges: A +
Mark Daigneault’s first problem led to a few free throws for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply earlier than half-time.
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Daigneault’s second problem, on the finish of the fourth quarter, led to the sixth fault of Zach Edey and two free throws for Alex Caruso.
We’re going to rely this as a more-more for Daigneault, which now has a 10-4 file within the playoffs.
Extra: OKC Thunder’s report: Alex Caruso Aces Recreation 3 vs Memphis Grizzlies within the NBA qualifiers
Defend Jaren Jackson Jr.: A +
April 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, United States; Memphis Grizzlies striker Jaren Jackson Jr. (13), turns to the basket whereas the Thunder Oklahoma Metropolis Alex Caruso (9) defends through the first quarter through the fourth match for the primary spherical of the NBA qualifiers in Fedexforum. Obligatory credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn photos
Jaren Jackson Jr. may make an all-nba crew. And if he does it, he deserved it. It’s a common season prize, and Jackson had a wonderful common season. He was the most effective participant in Memphis, and positively his most dependable.
However JJJ appeared terribly restricted on this sequence. It’s as if he had forgotten how a lot he was.
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He has 6 toes 10 inches, by the best way, however didn’t play like that. Alex Caruso, abandoning 5 inches in opposition to Jackson, gave jackson assaults. Jackson performed extra like a wing than a giant one.
Jackson collected 12 factors on Saturday, and extra alarming, solely 4 rebounds within the elimination match. The Thunder made issues tough on Jackson, however the lack of assertion of Jackson made issues simple on thunder.
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Scotty Pippen Jr.: A
He seems like a participant.
With JA MORANT (HIP), it was PIPPEN – not Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane – who intensified for the Grizzlies.
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Pippen carried out the grizzleas in factors (30) and rebounds (11) whereas including 4 assists.
Pippen ought to earn lower than $ 3 million in every of the next three seasons. It might be among the finest values within the league.
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April 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, United States; Memphis’ guardian of the Grizzlies of Memphis, Scotty Pippen Jr. (1), passes the ball whereas the goalkeeper of Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder Aaron Wiggins (21) defends through the first quarter through the fourth match for the primary spherical of the NBA 2025 qualifiers in Fedexforum. Obligatory credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn photos
Fence fence: c-
The Thunder led by 12 with 3:37 to do. Memphis made a 10-0 race through the subsequent minute to arrange a frantic end.
Chet Holmgren made the clutch play within the part. He stripped Scotty Pippen Jr. beneath the basket, and Pippen responded with a foolish fault – his sixth within the match.
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Holmgren went to the free throw line and made his two free throws to present the Thunder a 4 -point lead with 1:01 on the left.
A 3-point level from Vince Williams Jr. made a match with a possession with 35 seconds to play, however Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a pleasant 22-foot step. It appeared like dagger, however Desmond Bane splashed a 3 -second pointer to cut back OKC’s advance at two factors.
After Jalen Williams went to 1 of the two of the free throw line, the Thunder hung MEMPHIS, not permitting the Grizzlies to hyperlink the match with a 3.
Joe Mussatto is a sports activities columnist for Oklahoman. Do you have got a narrative concept for Joe? Ship him an e mail to [email protected]. Assist Joe’s work and that of different Oklahoman journalists by shopping for a Digital subscription at present on subscription.oklahoman.com.
This text initially appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder-Grizzlies Grizzlies: Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander, Okc Sweep Memphis
