The Memphis Grizzlies’ reward for prevailing within the Play-In is a first-round date with the mighty Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the NBA Playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies would possibly want a couple of further Thunder buddies to climate this storm.
Memphis salvaged a tepid end to the 2024-25 season, one which featured the firing of tenured head coach Taylor Jenkins, by prevailing within the Western Convention Play-In Event. Its reward is a first-round date with the Affiliation-leading Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, contemporary off essentially the most profitable season in franchise historical past.
The Thunder (68-14) completed atop the Western Convention for the second consecutive season, because the core headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took sterling steps ahead with the help of newcomers like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Such success comes regardless of continued medical woes for Chet Holmgren, as breakout efforts from Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams saved the Thunder rolling, as did sterling depth performances from Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
Memphis (48-34) spent most of this season atoning for final yr’s disastrous 27-win output. Regardless of additional controversies and medical considerations, it welcomed again Ja Morant to the fold and loved continued sturdy defensive efforts from Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies additionally put forth probably the most productive draft courses within the league, as Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells every made main contributions of their Affiliation debuts. However a late swoon nonetheless spelled the top for Jenkins, who was dismissed after six seasons. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has since taken over in his place. Memphis dropped the Play-In opener towards Golden State however took down Dallas thanks partially to a dominant efficiency from an ailing Morant to safe the eighth and last seed within the West.
That is the fourth postseason assembly between the Thunder and Grizzlies, and the primary since they confronted one another thrice in 4 seasons between 2011 and 2014. Oklahoma Metropolis gained two of that trio, the final being a seven-game triumph in 2014’s opening spherical. The Thunder handily swept this common season’s four-game set, as the common margin of victory stood at slightly below 19 factors.
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Who: (1) Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder vs. (8) Memphis GrizzliesWhat: NBA Playoffs, Western Convention, First RoundWhere: Paycom Middle, Oklahoma Metropolis, OK/FedEx Discussion board, Memphis, TNWinners: OKC gained season sequence 4-0
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Oklahoman to Watch: Isaiah Hartenstein
It is onerous to imagine {that a} crew that gained 68 video games within the common season ought to having something to show, however that is the place the Thunder discover themselves in after they have been bulled on the boards however the Western Convention-champion Mavericks. Realizing Holmgren could not do it on his personal, the Thunder wasted no time calling in Hartenstein after he leaped into the New York Knicks’ beginning lineup amidst damage woes for Mitchell Robinson. Hartenstein, who exceeded expectations to the tune of a double-double common will get a direct check, as Memphis hopes clogging the paint with Edey and Santi Aldama.
Grizzly to Watch: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Little, if something, must be written about Oklahoma Metropolis’s offensive prowess, however it may be countered, because the Mavericks fortunately proved final season. It is instances like these the place it would not harm to have earlier Defensive Participant of the 12 months winner in your roster. Jackson figures to be even busier this time round now that Oklahoma Metropolis has plugged one in all its few roles with Hartenstein and a wholesome Holmgren. Oklahoma Metropolis is 6-4 when it’s held to lower than 105 factors this season. For sure, none of these cases got here towards the Grizzlies.
What They’re Saying
“That’s in all probability crucial factor for us as a crew — that everyone is entering into their very own each time the time requires them. That’s one of many luxuries of this crew. We’ve got so many guys who’re expert, versatile and might play. So a whole lot of that for me is attempting to maintain guys to be aggressive, even myself.”-Alex Caruso (h/t Mark Medina, Athlon Sports activities)
“I really feel like this [injury] was tougher than others,” Morant stated. “Clearly, regular-season video games, it is not win or go dwelling. So this one was far more troublesome — the entire course of, like, studying what I must do to have the ability to get on the market. I used to be sort of questioning it, however with our workers, the docs, they gave me all the data I wanted and [in the] easiest phrases so I’ll perceive. From that time, it was just about straightforward. I wished to be on the ground. I wished to play this recreation and get the win.”-Ja Morant on his Play-In efficiency vs. Dallas (h/t ESPN)
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Prediction
The presence of Morant might at the very least guarantee some shut video games, however it’s onerous to wager towards the Thunder on this one. Sure, they will maybe profit from a late-season push that noticed them primarily begin the postseason early, however the Thunder is way too highly effective to make a transfer. Moreover, Oklahoma Metropolis might be trying to make a press release: regardless of one other first-place end, some are skeptical of the Thunder’s postseason prowess after final yr’s journey led to disappointment towards Dallas.
It is truthful to anticipate Morant to assist a steal a recreation … however something is way too tall a activity.
Thunder in 5
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Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags
