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00:00ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:30H-O-F.
00:31We're excited with this one because we got the defending champs here on Peacock today.
00:35And so if you're every other team in the league, you're looking for weaknesses.
00:39You're looking for ways to beat the Thunder.
00:41Two out of the last three, teams have figured it out, Spurs in the NBA Cup.
00:47Is there anything that we have learned or the other teams have learned
00:50weaknesses for the Thunder in those games?
00:53I'm not sure.
00:54Okay, okay.
00:56We got nothing still.
00:5725-3, I don't know if you can say weaknesses, there are red flags.
01:02There are signs.
01:04Everybody's waving the flag of they foul every possession.
01:07Sure.
01:08Which works, to be honest, when you can bring attention to an area
01:13that you really feel like is causing issues for your team.
01:17And so coaches, players are talking about they defend so physically,
01:21they foul every possession, and that will start to impact the way the whistle is blown.
01:27Yeah.
01:27You don't put – they don't get to the free throw line as much.
01:30Shea doesn't also get the fouls that he tends to create as much.
01:35Sure.
01:35And it starts to level the playing field.
01:37So that could be an area of focus.
01:39So that is interesting, Isaiah, because in the three games they have lost this year,
01:42the other teams have shot over 30 free throws in all three of those games.
01:47And so maybe that tighter whistle, some of that defensive thunder, physical defense,
01:51they've been whistled for it more in those games.
01:52Maybe that's part of it here.
01:54But what is the key to this thunder defense that has been so good here this year?
01:58Well, when you look at them, you're talking about ball pressure.
02:01And, you know, most teams aren't used to playing with good ball pressure.
02:05And your defense is only good as your weak side can help them recover.
02:09And that's what we see the thunder doing.
02:11They have excellent ball pressure.
02:13There's pressure on the ball.
02:14They get up.
02:15And now look at the weak side.
02:16The weak side is pulled over.
02:18And just as we just saw in the last play, again, a replication.
02:22It happens again.
02:23Right side, left side.
02:24So defensively, they're very solid.
02:27And what else do they do?
02:28They fight through screens.
02:29They do not give in on the screen.
02:31They shoot the gap.
02:32They're in the passing lane.
02:34So, you know, teams can, you know, cry and moan about, you know,
02:39they play a little too physical.
02:41They're a little too tough.
02:42But, you know, the Thunder is playing old school defense
02:45where they are close enough to touch.
02:48Key word, close enough to touch.
02:50So they got great ball pressure.
02:53They're not, you know, offensive players now are used to working out against cones.
02:58You know, so you're not dribbling against the cone, right?
03:01You got to learn how to dribble now with ball pressure.
03:05When I say dribbling against the cones, right, most players practice like this.
03:09Ball in front of them.
03:11OKC, they guard you.
03:12Their hand is in the dribbling lane.
03:15So you have to protect the basketball.
03:17And when you protect the basketball, that allow the defender to get a little closer.
03:21Because that defender can get a little closer, they'll say,
03:24Oh, you're too close.
03:25You're too close.
03:26Get back.
03:26Get back.
03:26Give me some room so I can do my cone drill.
03:29OKC, no, no, no.
03:30Ain't no cone drill here.
03:31I dominated the cone back in high school.
03:33Crushed the cone.
03:34No match for me out there.
03:36Which flavor?
03:37What?
03:37What's that?
03:37Which flavor?
03:38Which flavor cone?
03:39What?
03:39The orange cone.
03:40I crushed, yeah, crushed it all the time.
03:42Oh, yeah, yeah.
03:43Those two.
03:44So, but this is going to be maybe a little bit different OKC team.
03:47Because we got Chet Holmgren out with an illness here.
03:49Hartenstein is out with a cafeteria.
03:51So the size they're losing here.
03:53What do you expect to see?
03:53I mean, SGA can seem like take over a game just by himself.
03:57But you're missing the size there.
03:58No Alex Caruso.
04:00Jalen Williams, he's out with a right heel.
04:02So, interesting.
04:03Yeah, the big, the big, the big Jalen Williams.
04:05Yes, big Jalen Williams.
04:06Yeah, that's who I was going to go to.
04:09Kimrick Williams is a guy that the Thunder have used as kind of a smaller backup five.
04:14He defends bigger guys really well.
04:16Yeah.
04:18Jang, they have number 13.
04:20He's out.
04:20He's out as well.
04:21Yeah, so right.
04:22What are we going to see?
04:23You could see some zone.
04:25Alex Caruso is also a guy that they've used.
04:27Caruso out.
04:29Stop it.
04:30I'm dead serious.
04:31This is where you're going to see SGA, Jalen Williams, Kaysen Wallace, Lou Dort.
04:37You know, they don't have the size, though.
04:38They don't have the size.
04:39It'll be interesting.
04:40Yeah.
04:40They don't have the size, but they had a scheme.
04:42Yes.
04:42So schematically, that won't change.
04:45Jaren Jackson, because of his size and physicality, he should be able to dominate this game.
04:52However, the defensive scheme, close enough to touch, right?
04:56Get in the passing lane.
04:58Distort your cuts.
05:00Right?
05:00They expect OKC to play the same way.
05:03For sure.
05:04And you want Jaren Jackson Jr. trying to post up in the mid post and the block area.
05:11Yeah.
05:11It's more challenging when Memphis' floor is spaced, and they're able to move the ball through passing, cutting, screening that way.
05:17The only good thing for OKC is Memphis is dealing with similar injury concerns here.
05:22So let me just read this out just to get this out of the way first.
05:24Zach Eady, he's been out for a while here.
05:26You got Brandon Clark, who is out.
05:28But the big one, you do have Ja Morant.
05:31Ja Morant.
05:31Like Christmas.
05:33Maybe a little bit holiday vacation rest here.
05:36You got to nurse these injuries.
05:37But Ja Morant is out in this one.
05:39He is now missing his 15th game in 29, so he's missed more than half of their games.
05:44How do they operate an offense without their point guard out there?
05:48Well, I think part of it is due to the suspensions and games he's missed in previous years.
05:53They created a way to play offense that wasn't solely reliant upon Ja Morant in pick and roll, but the pick and roll hasn't vanished.
06:01Here, Londale, KCP, ball comes out quickly.
06:05Londale makes a good decision, finishes over the smaller guys.
06:08Here, Spencer, screen away wide by Jaron Jackson Jr., comes off, back off the screen roll.
06:15Jaron Jackson can pop into space.
06:17Great cut on the backside behind it.
06:19He knocks down the three from the top of the key.
06:21And then here again, you see Spencer on the opposite side, over a bit of an Iverson action.
06:26And then watch into the post to KCP.
06:29Two screens away, and then it turns into an elevator.
06:32Spencer coming back off.
06:34Catch.
06:34This is a difficult shot to make with a late contest.
06:37And knocks it down.
06:38And so, that's what you'll see from Memphis tonight.
06:40More ball movement, passing, screening, cutting.
06:43And not Ja Morant solely running high pick and roll or drag screens.
06:47And they're feeling it, too.
06:48Their last 13 games, 9-4.
06:51And so, Zeke, they're coming into this game feeling pretty good.
06:54And probably feeling like this game is winnable.
06:56Yeah.
06:57Winnable should win.
06:59You know, OKC is, you know, kind of depleted right now.
07:02Yeah.
07:03But you just saw what Derek diagrammed on the screen.
07:07All those plays play right into OKC's strength.
07:12Right?
07:12They get up.
07:14They deny passes.
07:15Right?
07:16Cuts that are coming out on the perimeter.
07:18Again, we just talked about them being close enough to touch.
07:21So, a guy like Spencer coming off taking shots.
07:24OK.
07:25He's guarded out on the perimeter.
07:27He's not getting clean looks.
07:28So, it'll be interesting to see how Memphis' offense reacts to OKC's defense.
07:36Yeah.
07:36I'm still going to bet on OKC's defense tonight.
07:38OK.
07:38All right.
07:39You, too?
07:39You, too?
07:40You still think that they've got a way to do it?
07:41Yes.
07:41Even with all the guys out.
07:42Even with me listing all those guys and continuing to roll.
07:44It is in their DNA, part of their identity.
07:46Yeah.
07:47Whoever suits up tonight, A.J. Mitchell's a guy that's played great.
07:50Yeah.
07:50Watch out for him.
07:50A.J. Mitchell.
07:51He is in there.
07:51Yeah.
07:51That's the cool thing to watch with OKC.
07:53Yeah.
07:53How deep they are.
07:54The depth when some of their bigs are out.
07:56So, take a look at the race to 15 from DraftKings Sportsbook to Thunder.
08:00Heavy favorites to score 15 first.
08:03They have the best first quarter scoring margin in the entire NBA.
08:07We'll see if they can keep it rolling.
08:08These teams played back in November.
08:0914-point win by the Thunder.
08:11A first-round sweep for OKC against Memphis in last season's playoff.
08:16Can the Grizz figure out a way?
08:17Mark Folliwell, Grant Hill, Zora Stevenson, next.
08:20Welcome to Peacock NBA Monday, presented by Xfinity.
08:40Peacock NBA Monday comes to you tonight from the home of the defending NBA champions, Oklahoma
08:45City, Oklahoma, and Peacock Center, where tonight Oklahoma City plays host to the Memphis Grizzlies.
08:52It's game number two this year between the Thunder and Grizzlies.
08:55Shea Gilgis-Alexander averaging 32.5 points per game this year, much like he did last year
09:00when he was the most valuable player in the NBA.
09:04Jaron Jackson, Jr. is the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week.
09:08Last week, he averaged 27 points and eight rebounds, helping Memphis win two of their last
09:12three games.
09:14Hi, everyone.
09:14I'm Mark Folliwell.
09:15Welcome to our broadcast, joined by the Hall of Famer Grant Hill tonight.
09:18Grant, in an NBA season, as you know, it's not a story when a team loses two out of three
09:22games, except when you're the Thunder, who've won 24 of their first 25.
09:27What's their mindset going into this game tonight?
09:29Well, Thunder coach Mark Degno has a core team philosophy, neutral in wins and losses,
09:34but I promise you, they are desperate for this win here today.
09:37And, of course, they want to take care of their home court, which they've been so dominant
09:41the last few years.
09:4213-0, as a matter of fact, on their home court this year.
09:45Meanwhile, for the Memphis Grizzlies, they've dealt with injuries this year.
09:48It contributed to a 4-11 start, but since then, they've turned things around to the
09:52tune of 9-4 in the last 13.
09:54And give them a lot of credit.
09:55Things could have easily gone really bad at that point, but they've turned things around.
09:59They're playing great defense.
10:01They're getting production from some young players.
10:03And, of course, Jaron Jackson, Jr. has been phenomenal with his play on the interior.
10:07Both teams are missing eight players tonight due to injuries, and it is going to change the
10:12starting lineups.
10:13For Memphis tonight, Jock Landale goes back into the starting lineups at center.
10:17Jaron Jackson, Jr., the other big two players from Washington State.
10:21Cedric Coward and Jalen Wells.
10:23And, of course, Cam Spencer, who's been playing well lately.
10:25For the Oklahoma City Thunder, no Hardenstein, no Chet.
10:28So Brandon Carlson makes his first NBA start.
10:31No surprises outside of that.
10:33Jake Ilchis Alexander, Kacen Wallace in his third year, Lou Dork from Arizona State,
10:38and J-Dub, Jalen Williams, playing in his tenth game of the year after the offseason wrist
10:44surgery that limited him at the start of the 2025-26 season.
10:50As Grant mentioned a moment ago, it is a fortress here at Paycom Center.
10:55It is loud tonight.
10:56That's a big reason why Oklahoma City has started out 13-0, winning games at home,
11:02by an average of over 19 points for a contest.
11:04It has been impressive and really a fantastic place to play the fans into the game.
11:11No matter who's on the court, the fans show up and they deliver.
11:16John Goble in his 19th year from Miami is the crew chief of tonight's trio of officials,
11:21which includes Jettomenis Petritus in his 11th year from Lithuania,
11:25and Danica Baruti in her fourth year from Freeport, Florida.
11:30And off we go in Oklahoma City with Memphis controlling the opening tip.
11:34And Cam Spencer in his second year, he's getting a lot of point guard action right now,
11:38had his first double-double of his career, and a loss to the Wizards on Saturday night
11:42with 19 points and 11 assists.
11:44That pass ends up out of bounds and a reset for Cedric Coward.
11:47Wanting to pick and roll if Spencer and Jock Landale on the bounce in the paint,
11:52up for the left hand, rimming out for Jaron Jackson Jr.
11:55Landale kept it alive, it's at his feet, and Shea picks it up for the Bungan.
12:02On the dry and lefty scoop shot is no good for Kaysen Wallace.
12:07Wallace has been coming off the bench in two of the last three games.
12:10The two games that Oklahoma City has lost, back in the starting lineup tonight.
12:14Landale, good stretch back, and he connects on the corner three
12:17for the first points of the game.
12:18And you see the first two possessions here for the Grizzlies, a lot of pace.
12:23They want to play fast and make quick decisions on the offensive end.
12:2821% on threes to Landale.
12:30He connects, looking to answer, missing on the corner three, Shailen Williams.
12:36Grizzlies could have been to 500 if they'd won on Saturday.
12:38They're 13-15 after that loss to the Wizards.
12:41Thunder, 25-3.
12:42Last game, five-point loss Friday to Minnesota.
12:47Now Spencer, one of the league's best three-point shooters this year by percentage.
12:52Not target, on that heave for the left side of the floor.
12:56Of course, as many know, they stand here in Oklahoma City
12:58until the first points of the game for the Thunder,
13:00and it's been three possessions of standing as Shea misses in the paint.
13:04Now Jalen Wells, second-year player from Washington State.
13:07Landale.
13:09Carlson's going to have to cover him on the perimeter.
13:11And the ball goes out of bounds, leaving Memphis with 12 on the shot clock.
13:15And that's one of the things, Oklahoma City Thunders, the deflections and turnovers they create.
13:21You know, we talked before the game with Coach Isolo, you've got to value the basketball.
13:26Can't give OKC opportunities to score off those turnovers.
13:30Post-up here for Jaren Jackson, Jr., and averaging 27 over the last three games.
13:35He's on the board for the first time tonight.
13:36And that's the mismatch right now.
13:38OKC going small.
13:40Jaren Jackson, Jr. establishing himself in the interior.
13:44A dribble drive by Lou Dort.
13:45Lost ball on the bounce to Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
13:49Shea, a drive-and-kick.
13:50Frozen for a moment with Dort.
13:52Now he drives, and that runs out.
13:53So four empty possessions to start the game for the Thunder.
13:57And here at OKC, the fans, they stand until Oklahoma City scores.
14:02So not used to standing this long to start a game here, Mark.
14:06A clean sheet for 2 minutes and 15 seconds by the Grizzlies defense.
14:09Let's see what happens here as Cason Wallace attacks.
14:12And this is Carlson in his first NBA start.
14:15Game 51, start number one.
14:18And he's the player who delivers the first points of the night for the Thunder on the triple.
14:21Big time, three right there.
14:25Carlson.
14:26Oh, a big-time slam on the pocket pass to Landale.
14:30Rolling and the two-hand rim rocker.
14:32And you love active bigs.
14:33Landale there getting involved.
14:38Left side of the floor.
14:39Shot's no good for Jalen Williams.
14:41And down to Cam Spencer.
14:43Running the floor.
14:43Long 2B1 pass off the hand of Jalen Williams.
14:47Wells had it as an out-of-bounds.
14:48And an improved part of Cam Spencer's game is passing beautiful.
14:51Pocket pass.
14:53The rotation a little bit late from SGA.
14:56And Landale, he hit a 3 in the corner.
14:58And now a nice finish at the rim.
15:00Ball fake by Cason Wallace.
15:01Wallace the righty runner inside.
15:03And so far so good on the defensive glass in this game for Memphis.
15:07They don't allow any second shot opportunities so far for the Thunder.
15:12And it's Spencer with it.
15:14KC has started 1 of 7 from the floor.
15:16Just one make by Carlson on a 3.
15:19A try by Landale.
15:20Filling a vacated area.
15:21Cedric Coward splashes in a 3.
15:25Very good start tonight for Memphis on the road against the Thunder.
15:30It's a 10-3 lead and an early Thunder timeout.
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15:47A fanatic's experience.
15:48Here in Oklahoma City tonight, both teams have eight players unavailable.
15:55We'll hit the list more extensively when we have a dead ball.
15:59But that includes Isaiah, Martin Stein, Chen Holgren.
16:02For Oklahoma City.
16:03But Jalen Williams, J-Dub.
16:05Jalen Williams is out.
16:07The J-Dub out of a timeout.
16:09Well done by the Thunder.
16:11Cut to Memphis.
16:12Lead down to four points.
16:15Jalen Wells.
16:16And entitled by SGA.
16:21Cam Spencer.
16:23Spencer in a really good run of form right now.
16:25Nice heel inside.
16:26But from behind, the block shot by Dort against Jock Landale.
16:29And just swarming there on defense.
16:31Helping to help her.
16:33Lose Dort.
16:33That's what he does.
16:34And that's the DNA of this Thunder team.
16:37By far the best defensive team in the NBA.
16:40When you look at defensive ratings and a number of other statistics to judge defense.
16:45100%.
16:45Dort missed a moment ago.
16:47Now a trip to the free throw line is coming for Jaron Jackson Jr.
16:50With 7.37 left in the first quarter.
16:52This is the first team foul on either team.
16:56And that's the advantage.
16:57Jaron Jackson Jr.
16:59Against the smaller defenders there.
17:02And able to split the double team.
17:04Draw the foul.
17:04Get to the free throw line.
17:05But the pace of the offense of Memphis has been impressive here.
17:10And they've been able to create some opportunities here offensively early on.
17:15Out of this game for Memphis.
17:16Ja Morant with a left ankle injury.
17:18Zach Eady left ankle stress reaction.
17:21Brandon Clark was hurt on Saturday night after just his second game of the year.
17:25Scotty Pippen Jr.
17:26Tied Jerome.
17:27They've been out all year.
17:28Vince Williams.
17:29Jon Conchard.
17:30Javon Small complete.
17:32The eight individuals out tonight for the Christmas.
17:34Well, in other words, on both sides there's a lot of talent on the bench.
17:38Some really good teams on the bench.
17:41But good players on the floor as well.
17:43Like Kaysen Wallace who knocks down a three-pointer.
17:46And I just love Kaysen Wallace's game.
17:49The defensive-minded.
17:51I think he's an improved offensive player.
17:53And certainly has gained the trust here of this squad the last few years.
17:57The defense inside against Wallace.
18:00In transition.
18:01Centering the break.
18:02Pulling out free throw line.
18:04Right in his wheelhouse.
18:05That's a rare miss on that kind of shot for SGA.
18:09Contavious Falwell-Polk is in.
18:11And he connects on a three-ball.
18:13Contavious Falwell-Polk is in.
18:14Getting out transition before that OKC defense can get set.
18:20Missed this once.
18:21Lead for the Grizzlies.
18:22Plus five, now three.
18:23Off-balance shot.
18:24Good in the paint for Shea.
18:27Defense!
18:30So the first change was Caldwell-Polk going in.
18:34Foul line jumper no good.
18:36Brandon Carlson the rebound for the Thunder.
18:40Jalen Williams attacks the defense.
18:43Ball tried free for a moment.
18:45He got it back.
18:46Another throw into the paint.
18:47An all-star last year and trying to round into form.
18:50Williams averaging almost 18 a game through his first nine.
18:52And to see this guy just improve year in and year out.
18:55Had that wrist injury last season.
18:57Started a little bit late to this season.
19:00But, wow, what a dynamic force.
19:04Caldwell-Polk just hit a three.
19:05He puts it down.
19:06Excellent ball movement here.
19:07They switch it side to side.
19:09Wells misses on a three-pointer.
19:11Jalen Williams a rebound for Oklahoma City.
19:17Shea taking Wells off the dribble.
19:19Williams side to score.
19:20And a tie-out call by the Grizzlies.
19:25They've got a trio of players getting ready to come into the game.
19:27It will have to happen after a time-out as the Thunder take a one-point lead.
19:31Let's check in on tonight's DraftKings live spread.
19:35DraftKings is the number one sports book for live betting.
19:38To get in on the action, download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
19:42The spread currently 13.5 points in the game.
19:46Let's finish out the Oklahoma City entry list tonight.
19:50Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, J. Will, Thomas Orber, Nicole DeTope, Chabelle all year.
19:57Aaron Liggins is missing a game right.
19:59Aductor soreness, Alex Caruso, right middle finger sprained out tonight.
20:03Brandon Carlson is starting for the first time in his career tonight.
20:07Mark Dagnald said, look, we've got to do something so we can be sustainable for the whole season.
20:12We're in the midst of 11 games in 19 days with four back-to-backs.
20:16And he said, we want some other players to touch the outcome of the game.
20:21I thought that was very interesting as well.
20:23Late shot clock, Wells on the Euro step of the lane.
20:26This is Sheikilchus Alexander's first foul.
20:30And it's the second team foul in the first quarter on the Thunder.
20:34And it's Wells who's played in every game this year.
20:38Now the interesting thing, Grant, is you're talking about all these injuries in Oklahoma City this year.
20:43They're second in man games lost, 148.
20:45Memphis is third in man games lost with 147.
20:48But Jalen Wells has been there night in, night out in his second season.
20:52And putting up numbers similar to his first season.
20:5512 points a game this year, shooting 35% on threes.
20:58He had a fantastic rookie season.
21:00You said he's been consistent and steady all season amongst the MASH unit thus far with Memphis.
21:06But I like how he's also improved as a playmaker.
21:09Better off the bounce, finding his teammates.
21:12He's a very talented young man who has success here in Memphis early.
21:18Third of the rookie of the year voting.
21:20As a matter of fact, last year he's averaging 18 over a 10-game stretch before just four.
21:25Against Washington Saturday.
21:27Fadeaway miss by Shea.
21:28And the rebound is secured by Memphis.
21:33By Meshack.
21:35This is his fifth NBA game.
21:36He's on a two-way contract.
21:38Wells takes it inside.
21:39And after that trip to the free throw line, Wells cashes in with a basket in the paint.
21:43And the Grizzlies with the last four, courtesy of Wells in front by three.
21:50Aldama came in at the timeout.
21:52Shea leaves it underneath.
21:53Goal, gavels it in.
21:54And that scores for Oklahoma City.
21:56And we think of Dort as a three-point shooter, but he also moves well without the basketball.
22:01Great cut and five.
22:02Nice touch pass there by Aldama on a pass that was on target.
22:06Couldn't catch it, but steered it out to Wells.
22:08He missed the three.
22:09And the ball's out of bounds off Memphis.
22:11I'm going to tell you, Memphis up one right now.
22:13Wells missing that open three.
22:15But they're getting good looks, good opportunities, and they're valuing the basketball.
22:19Not turning it over and allowing OKC to get out in transition.
22:24Here's Kenridge Williams in the game.
22:26He near a step to the skip to the hoop is good for Kenridge Williams.
22:29Right in to the game and making his presence false.
22:33Showing his strength on that play right there.
22:36Bulldozing his way to the basket.
22:38Bully ball.
22:40All well poked with a drive going at Isaiah Joe who's just come into the game.
22:44Also, Brooks Barnheiser, rookie on a two-way from Northwestern.
22:49That's another individual that Mark Dagnold told us before the game has been playing well
22:53with the G League, Oklahoma City Blue.
22:56And was another player he wanted to see, as he put it, touch the outcome of the game.
23:01So he's on the floor with rotation minutes here in the first quarter of the game.
23:04And I love that term, touch the outcome.
23:07Let these young players not only play, but be involved in the outcome, be a part of the team.
23:14You know, we worked so hard, the culture here in OKC, been with the G League,
23:18now a chance to play in a meaningful game here at home.
23:22And touching the outcome, giving some others a chance to see what they can do.
23:27Now, Grant, you know from our time working together, I don't believe in commentator curses.
23:30So I didn't say anything about, even though I don't believe in it,
23:33I did not say anything about Paul Paul Pope.
23:35He'd made 18 straight free throws before he missed the first of the game.
23:38Well, I didn't give you a chance.
23:39I told long to my comments, so you wish to jinx him.
23:42Yes, thank you.
23:43I appreciate that.
23:44Defensive rebound after the miss by Shea.
23:47Mayshack pulled it down.
23:49First year in the league from Tennessee.
23:51Looking for Olivier Maxon's crossbarer and Omax going down to catch that low pass,
23:56and it's out of bounds at Grizzlies turn over.
24:00O-N-A-C!
24:03Good point.
24:05Memphis valuing the basketball.
24:06Just two turnovers here in the opening eight-plus minutes of the game,
24:10and there's Oklahoma City turning it over.
24:11A swipe by Mayshack, but a follow.
24:14A.J. Mitchell with the steal.
24:16Paul Paul Pope didn't hold on to it,
24:17and it's an afternoon quick attack off the turnover.
24:20That's what Oklahoma City is doing this year,
24:22better than anyone has ever done it, scoring off turnovers.
24:25Thick finish by Shea Gilchis-Alexander.
24:27Yes, sir, Mark, 25 points per game off turnovers for O-K-C.
24:32Such an integral part of their offense.
24:35S-G-A with the alley-oop.
24:37Maldonado off a career-high 37 Saturday.
24:41Misses in the paint.
24:43Karniser picked up his dribble in the backcourt.
24:45Now an A.J. Mitchell.
24:47He's having a splendid second season.
24:49Drives it into the teeth of the defense, taken away by the Grizzlies.
24:54Jalen Wells.
24:55And in front of him was Kendritch Williams.
24:58And it's an offensive foul.
25:02Kendritch Williams has always been a good player
25:05when it comes to putting himself in harm's way
25:07and willing to draw offensive fouls and take charges.
25:10They call him Kenny Hustle.
25:12And Kenny Hustle right there with the beautiful pass
25:15off the turnover for the MVP.
25:19So the philosophy foundationally,
25:23it's all about defense here at O-K-C.
25:26If you don't play defense, you don't play.
25:28And as you said earlier,
25:30one of the best the last two years
25:32as Williams gets involved as well in the offensive end.
25:36He's scored inside.
25:37He's had an assist.
25:38And now a three-pointer for Kendritch Williams.
25:41Sixth year with the Thunder.
25:42Eighth year in the league from TCU.
25:44Paint catch and a foul call as Jackson
25:46was trying to seal the aforementioned Kendritch Williams.
25:51And a call going against Oklahoma City
25:53with 2.25 left in the first quarter.
25:56And, Mark, okay, see, it's about dribble penetration.
25:59Drive and kick.
26:00You see three guys going there to SGA,
26:03and rightfully so,
26:04but leaving open Williams for that three.
26:07But their philosophy, they all drive and kick.
26:09They're unselfish.
26:11And they knock down corner,
26:13or excuse me, three-pointers with confidence.
26:15That was the 14th foul.
26:17Here's Spencer.
26:19Omax Crossford, third year in the league.
26:22And Spinderella.
26:23Nice move inside by Omax to score.
26:26Nice move in the interior there.
26:28Strong drive.
26:30I like that spin to right.
26:32Three-point lead for the Thunder after the basket by Prosper.
26:36Now on the bounce.
26:37Look at the handles.
26:38But then it's Jaron Jackson, Jr.,
26:40former defensive player of the year,
26:42to erase the shot by Kendritch Williams.
26:45Open three.
26:46Prosper just scored inside.
26:47Misses from the perimeter.
26:49And the tip-out rebound by Isaiah Joe.
26:50Shea on the drive.
26:53Stumbles.
26:54Fights Mitchell.
26:55He attacks.
26:56And a deflection.
26:57And a block by Cedric Coward.
27:00Cam Spencer.
27:01Transition three-ball is on the money.
27:03It's a tie game.
27:04Cam Spencer has been on a heater as of late, knocking down shots.
27:10We talk about his playmaking and improvement on that end,
27:12but flat out can shoot the three-ball.
27:16This is going to be the first team foul of the quarter on the Grizzlies.
27:20It comes with 1.23 left in the quarter.
27:23It's a shooting foul that will send Shea to the free-throw line for a pair.
27:27And look, I mean, OKC, they've been attacking.
27:29They've been trying to get downhill.
27:31There's been some plays where, you know,
27:33you could argue that there's been some contact,
27:35but, yeah, first team foul, a minute 23 left in the first quarter,
27:40that would not be on my bingo card coming into this game.
27:43It's a neat needle, but it is the reality of what's happened.
27:47The game has been played at a high pace tonight,
27:50and both teams are playing in the top half of the league
27:53when it comes to pace so far this season.
27:56Thunder are 10th.
27:57Grizzlies are 12th when you look at pace this year.
28:02And Shea, of course, is an outstanding free-ball shooter,
28:0418th in the league at just over 88%,
28:07closing in on 500 career games tonight,
28:10number 490 of his splendid eight-season career.
28:15One year with the Clippers, seven years with the Thunder.
28:19Triple J with it at Jackson, and on the drive.
28:22This is on the layup attempt against Williams.
28:28One minute left in the first quarter.
28:30Difference in the game, the Shea free-throws a moment ago.
28:33Bynes Mitchell with the left-hand, leads it short.
28:36Aldama the rebound, short outlet goes to Cam Spencer.
28:40Aldama looking for the three-ball.
28:43Inside position for an offensive rebound.
28:46Cedric Coward going after it.
28:48Prosper hits the floor.
28:49So does Isaiah Joe.
28:52And the ball is out of bounds.
28:53And, Mark, right now you have a Thunder team that's small out here.
28:57And you can see Triple J here iso-ing.
29:00You got guys, boxes and elbows there,
29:02just being solid, shrinking the floor.
29:04They're comfortable playing small ball because they help each other.
29:10They fight on defense.
29:12They have the ability to get out to shooters as well.
29:16And, obviously, with Hartenstein and Holmgren not in the game,
29:19this small ball lineup, you'll see a lot of that from Bagnall.
29:22Just saw the second foul of the game.
29:25That's why we're on the other end of the floor.
29:27Second foul on Prosper.
29:30Again, the Grizzlies did not commit a team foul until late in the first quarter.
29:34But a couple here at the end and more free-throws now for the Thunder.
29:37This is Isaiah Joe.
29:38Almost 13 points per game in 19 contests this year.
29:44And he rarely misses at the pre-throw line, over 92% this year.
29:48Under-pressuring.
29:50And that ball's behind Aldama, who had turned and started rolling.
29:53And a steal for Oklahoma City and another foul.
29:56And if it's on Prosper, it's his third.
29:58He's picked up three in short order here at the end of the first quarter.
30:04Turning that defensive intensity up here,
30:07you can see Spencer rattled, leading to that turnover.
30:12I thought OKC, they came out a little bit relaxed
30:14to start the game on both ends of the floor.
30:16And last three or four minutes here,
30:19OKC starting to find their groove and rhythm on the defensive end
30:24and carrying over on the offensive side.
30:27You were talking about how you must play defense
30:29if you're part of this roster.
30:31And it was great to talk to Mark Dagnold
30:32about the incredible defensive numbers that they're posting this year.
30:36And he said, we have ridiculously good point-of-attack defenders, multiple.
30:41As you see, the Oklahoma City defensive numbers this year and last year.
30:45He said, we've got elite rim protection.
30:47Yep.
30:47And then even the players that I don't typically mention
30:50as our great rim protectors or point-of-attack defenders,
30:53they're all at least average to above-average defenders.
30:57There's nobody that you can pick at on the defensive end of the floor.
30:59Yeah, there's no weak link.
31:01They also stick to their schemes.
31:03They trust each other.
31:05They've been so elite on the defensive end,
31:06although Carlson there, a big no-no fouling a three-point shooter.
31:11That's right.
31:14There's no weakness on this team defensively.
31:16And they all buy in, which is impressive.
31:19You've got to appreciate Carlson getting out to the shooter
31:21and contesting.
31:23You just have to be smart with that contest.
31:27See landing, or excuse me, in the landing space
31:31of Jaron Jackson Jr. on that three-point attempt.
31:34Here's Jackson over his last three games.
31:38That earned him Western Conference Player of the Week.
31:4027 points, eight rebounds.
31:4355% from the floor in those three games as well.
31:48This is three free throws with 22.2 left in the first.
31:51First two are good.
31:52The NBA is on NBC and Peacock every Tuesday in primetime.
31:56Tomorrow night, a doubleheader on Coast-to-Coast Tuesday,
31:59starting with Nuggets and Mavs at 8 Eastern,
32:01followed by the Rockets and Clippers at 10.30 Eastern.
32:07Second game of tonight's doubleheader here in Oklahoma City.
32:11And it falls for Aldama, slams it home.
32:13It's a profitable trip down the floor.
32:16Four points for the Grizzlies.
32:17Two Jackson free throws.
32:19Put-back dunk for Aldama on the first offensive rebound
32:22of the game for either team.
32:24One first quarter between these two teams,
32:31Oklahoma City dug out of an early seven-point deficit,
32:35prepared to take the lead in to the second quarter.
32:39They go up by three on the shot by Mitchell.
32:41Powers from half court to tie it up.
32:43Oh, dear.
32:44After one, Oklahoma City, 31, Memphis, 28.
32:51The Thunder holding the Grizzlies to under 30 points in that first quarter.
33:06Good evening, everyone.
33:07I'm Zora Stevenson.
33:08Defense is always top of mind for OKC.
33:11The numbers show it.
33:13Number one in the league in defensive rating.
33:14But the culture, it reveals it, too.
33:16I mean, these guys have an internal competition
33:19to see who can get the most steals each night.
33:21Not points, but steals.
33:22And right now, Cason Wallace is leading the way number one
33:26in the NBA in steals with 2.4 a night.
33:28And he told us he works on defense just like he does on offense.
33:32And it was so great to talk to him this morning at Shootaround.
33:34He detailed how it's best to swipe up on deflections
33:37because if you swipe down, a foul usually gets called.
33:40Guys, the movements, motions, and actions you all are seeing out there
33:44are so intentional, especially on defense for OKC.
33:47Great report, Zora, and I loved our conversation this morning, Grant,
33:52with Cason Wallace, who added that I'm passionate about defense.
33:56We have guys who can score, but I'm passionate
33:58when it comes to impacting the game defensively.
34:01He did it in college at Kentucky.
34:03I remember seeing him in high school in Richardson, Texas,
34:06outside of Dallas, where he was a McDonald's All-American.
34:09Look at that defensive rating this year for the Thunder.
34:12Not only is it by far the best defensive rating this year, Grant,
34:15it's the best defensive rating a team has had in the NBA
34:18since the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2019-20 season.
34:22Well, it says a lot.
34:23I mean, I tell you, give credit to Mark Dagnall,
34:25but also Sam Presti by going out and finding guys,
34:29being intentional about players who are willing to play.
34:32Wow.
34:32Oh, wow.
34:35Brandon Carlson catches the alley-oop.
34:37Nicely done.
34:38Nice two-man game, but it was playmaking there by A.J. Mitchell.
34:43Set it up.
34:45Landale at the other end of the floor.
34:47Knocks down his second three of the game.
34:48Another young guy, Landale,
34:50has improved his three-point shooting over the last three years,
34:53but this OKC team, the defense, the unselfishness,
34:58the togetherness.
34:59Of course, the offensive play of Shea and Chet, Jalen Williams.
35:06Impressive.
35:08Landale's the leading scorer for Memphis with eights.
35:11Cam Spencer turns down an outside shot,
35:13and they want two more for Landale,
35:15but overthrows him on the alley-oop attempt.
35:17Good idea.
35:17Just couldn't execute.
35:20Get it into the second quarter.
35:21Carrick Williams.
35:23He scored at all three levels in this game.
35:25A floater in the paint.
35:27Top of the key jumper, and he's knocked down a three as well.
35:29Just too many weapons.
35:30Too many guys that can make plays, hit shots.
35:33Everybody getting involved thus far here for OKC.
35:38Cross-court pass.
35:39Gigi Jackson is in,
35:40and Jackson makes his first three of the year.
35:44He was 0 for 12 from long range before that,
35:47but a drought buster for the third-year player from South Carolina.
35:51J-Dub on the lane.
35:52Foul is called.
35:55That's a big relief right there for Mr. Jackson.
35:59In the corner there, and
36:00a little over-help by Jalen Williams,
36:05and crossing a little bit late to close out there,
36:08but Gigi Jackson knocking down that three,
36:11giving Memphis credit.
36:12They're just, they're hanging around,
36:13continuing to make plays, make shots,
36:15and get some stops on the defensive end.
36:19Williams on the free-throw line for Oklahoma City,
36:23where he's made 94% so far this year.
36:28Gigi Jackson, who just connected on that three,
36:30has not appeared in the last 11 games for the Grizzlies.
36:34It's his ninth game of the year.
36:35Remember that two years ago,
36:37Jackson got a lot of playing time
36:38in an extremely injury-riddled season for the Grizzlies,
36:43and averaged over 14 points a game,
36:45and was a second-team all-rookie selection.
36:47You've got to be a pro.
36:48You've got to stay ready,
36:50wait for your opportunity,
36:51and a little heat check right there from Jackson.
36:54It's from the other corner.
36:55Knocked one down from the right side.
36:57Why not?
36:58Left corner three is missed.
37:00This is Mitchell.
37:01Jays out with J-Dub,
37:05the offense initiator,
37:06and a save in here on a bad pass.
37:10Jackson saved it in,
37:11and Memphis has it.
37:14A three would tie it.
37:16Oklahoma City went down seven early.
37:17They closed the quarter 28-18,
37:19and they had the lead
37:21until the Jaron Jackson Jr.
37:23deep one is on the money.
37:2618 points a game,
37:2836% on threes this year for Jackson.
37:31Memphis back on level terms at 37.
37:36Kenridge Williams to Jalen Williams.
37:39Ball finds Kenridge Williams again.
37:41Why not?
37:42A.J. Mitchell offensive rebound.
37:44Kaysen Wallace loads up a three.
37:46Yes, sir.
37:47And that was an impressive offensive possession.
37:50The ball hopping around.
37:52Great energy.
37:54Offensive rebound,
37:55and of course,
37:57finally opened Wallace there for that three,
37:59but that's OKC at its best
38:01on the offensive end.
38:03Elbow jumper,
38:04Spencer no good.
38:05Offensive rebound,
38:06putback Cedric Howard.
38:07Cedric Howard,
38:08I like this young man.
38:09Coward just does a little bit of everything.
38:11Great physicality.
38:13Taking advantage on the glass.
38:15We just saw Memphis'
38:17second offensive rebound of the game.
38:19Prior to that,
38:20Oklahoma City had their first offensive rebound.
38:25And that's one of the things with Memphis.
38:27They had a lot of issues,
38:28obviously,
38:29injuries starting the season off,
38:32as you mentioned,
38:32four and 11,
38:33but they've been such a better rebounding team
38:36these last 15 games.
38:38And I thought they would be able to take more advantage
38:41against this small ball lineup of OKC,
38:44particularly on the offensive glass.
38:47With credit to the Thunder,
38:48they've done a decent job.
38:49Brayden Carlson from the outside.
38:52Long rebound to Jalen Williams.
38:54Deep three,
38:54Isaiah Joe.
38:55And it falls for Cason Walls,
38:58but there's a white foul underneath
39:00between Jared Jackson Jr. and A.J. Mitchell.
39:03And it's Mitchell on the foul.
39:05Oh, number 25,
39:06A.J. Mitchell,
39:07all that's in the first.
39:11First in foul.
39:12It was team foul on Oklahoma City
39:14here in the second quarter.
39:15T.G. Facts!
39:17Over that last 15-game stretch,
39:26Grant was speaking of a moment ago,
39:28the rebounding number for Memphis that's improved.
39:30They're almost a plus five per game on the glass.
39:33Jackson,
39:33another heave from the perimeter.
39:36Mitchell leaping after it.
39:38Keeps his balance along the baseline.
39:41And attacks for Oklahoma City.
39:44Off the screen,
39:44a try to finish for A.J. Mitchell.
39:46And A.J. Mitchell getting involved.
39:49He struggled a bit offensively here
39:50in this first half,
39:52but this season,
39:53his ability to get downhill
39:55with that left hand
39:56can do well in the mid-range,
39:59but able to finish in traffic.
40:02A.J. Mitchell getting it done
40:04for the Thunder.
40:10Time to take a look at the Christmas Day slate
40:12on Thursday with five games
40:14with our friends on ABC and ESPN,
40:16including the Emirates NBA Cup champion,
40:19Knicks against the Cavaliers,
40:20the Spurs and Thunder,
40:21a rematch of the Cup semifinals.
40:23They're going to play tomorrow in San Antonio
40:25and back here on Christmas Day.
40:28Mavs, Warriors, Rockets, Lakers,
40:29Timberwolves, Nuggets, round it out.
40:30Great to see those games.
40:32Oh, great matchup.
40:33I know what I'm doing on Christmas Day.
40:34Yes, sir.
40:35I'm not going to get any presents.
40:38I don't think, you know,
40:38the wifey and I,
40:39we probably won't exchange gifts.
40:41Just stocking stuffers and that's it.
40:43There you go.
40:43So it's all watching basketball
40:44on Thursday.
40:46You sound like my husband.
40:49Here's Cam Spencer with it.
40:50We figured it out.
40:51And there's a call as Memphis
40:55is bringing it up the floor here.
40:57And this is an eight-second violation.
40:59It's an eight-second backcourt violation.
41:01Man, out of a timeout.
41:03That is tough right there.
41:07He's a little not happy.
41:08You have a timeout.
41:09You want to get into your action
41:11and just get the ball up the board
41:13against that token pressure from the Thunder.
41:17Thunder have three steals in the first half,
41:19all of them by A.J. Mitchell.
41:21They scored their last basket
41:23before the timeout.
41:24They bumped their lead to three.
41:26Open three.
41:27Wide open three.
41:28And that's a player
41:29you don't want to leave wide open.
41:30Isaiah Joe connects.
41:32The ball movement from side to side.
41:34The dribble penetration
41:35just creates that open opportunity for Joe.
41:39And his four seasons with OKC over.
41:4141% on threes.
41:43Isaiah Joe.
41:44Thunder have their biggest lead.
41:46Looking to answer the three.
41:47Powered missed.
41:48Overshooting the rim
41:49on the putback attempt
41:50with Jock Landale.
41:51Mitchell, second basket of the game
41:56a moment ago.
41:57Quick breeze, long rebound.
41:59Carlson.
42:01Off that miss.
42:02And then Williams
42:03pulls up
42:04and smoothly hits the short jade.
42:06Smooth and deep.
42:07Loves to go left.
42:09Top it off the bounce.
42:12He has a Thunder high.
42:13Nine points now.
42:15Dropping into the paint.
42:16Say his powers no good.
42:18If you notice Memphis
42:20they're no longer getting the ball
42:21side to side.
42:22Moving the defense.
42:23Shifting the defense.
42:24A lot of isolation.
42:25One on one play.
42:26Which plays right into the Thunder's hand.
42:28Defensive rebound after Mitchell missed it.
42:30But then it's lost by Jalen Williams.
42:33The Jaron Jackson.
42:34And a reach
42:36by J-Dub for the foul.
42:41He's saying that Jalen Williams
42:43likes to go left
42:44and we saw him do that
42:45for his last basket.
42:46Loves to go left
42:47and just
42:48just takes what the defense
42:49gives him.
42:50Nice read there.
42:51Didn't get all the way
42:51to the rim.
42:53Get to that sweet spot
42:54in the paint there.
42:55The little fadeaway jump shot.
42:58We talked about
42:58his improvement.
43:01A lot of times
43:02when SGA last season
43:04would go to the bench
43:05Jalen Williams
43:06sort of took over
43:07with that second unit.
43:08Tended to be more aggressive
43:10looking for his shot
43:11more of a playmaker.
43:13He was continuing
43:14that stellar play
43:15since coming back
43:16from that injury
43:17this offseason.
43:18This will be
43:20team foul number four
43:22on Oklahoma City
43:23here this quarter.
43:25Second on A.J. Mitchell.
43:27To your point
43:28about Jalen Williams
43:29regular season
43:3021 and a half points
43:31a game
43:31continue to produce
43:32numbers
43:33exactly along those lines
43:3521 and a half points
43:36a game
43:36in the playoffs as well.
43:38And also one of those
43:39elite defenders
43:40as well
43:41can guard
43:41pretty much anybody
43:43on the floor
43:43bigs and smalls.
43:47Randell Seeland
43:48draws in the defense
43:49outside to Cardwell Pope
43:51and that stops
43:52a Thunder 7-0-1
43:53with a corner three
43:54by Contavious
43:55Galwell Pope.
43:55And a great pass
43:57there by Landell
43:58finding KCP.
44:00He was under the basket
44:01but he took the presence
44:02of mind
44:02to know where his teammate was.
44:04They faked it to the handoff
44:05and a thrust to the basket
44:06by Cambridge Williams.
44:07What a first half grant
44:08for Cambridge Williams.
44:10He is being aggressive
44:11not just shooting
44:12but getting down nil.
44:1411 is a season high
44:15in limited games
44:16he already has nine
44:17and Williams a steal
44:18denies that pass
44:19tips it away
44:20as Aldama tried
44:21to find Landon
44:22now putting it
44:23on the floor
44:23it's lost
44:24out of bounds
44:24Isaiah Joe
44:25turnover.
44:29Isaiah Joe
44:30just could not get
44:31a hold of the
44:32basketball there
44:33and missed opportunity
44:35in transition
44:36but Memphis
44:38when they executed
44:40moving the ball
44:41shifting the defense
44:42they've been able
44:42to get some good looks
44:44when they try
44:45too much
44:46one-on-one
44:47playing right into
44:48the foot of his hands.
44:49Aldo Pope attacks
44:50the closeout
44:51down the baseline
44:52on the pass
44:53Aldo Pope
44:54with the offensive rebound
44:55stepping into a three-pointer
44:56and that hits the full-time
44:58for Cam Spencer.
44:59Great job KCP
45:00he created an open
45:01corner three
45:03they got the offensive rebound
45:05and great presence of mind
45:06to find Cam Spencer
45:08to tie it.
45:09Your two for Cam Spencer
45:1012 points for assist a game
45:12at 19 and 11
45:14Saturday against Washington
45:15foul on Jock Landale
45:1713 foul this quarter
45:21and marked the veteran
45:23KCP secures the rebound
45:25and wasn't quite on the money
45:28with the pass
45:28it didn't matter
45:29if Spencer
45:30able to convert
45:32and talk about his play
45:34and shooting his improvement
45:35work ethic
45:36and he was a shooting guard
45:37and now he's simply playing
45:39twinkle with the unit
45:40and he was a good job.
45:41Right back into the game
45:42SGA for three.
45:44He didn't waste any time.
45:47He's been 50% on threes
45:49in six games in December
45:5043% for the year
45:52under five to play in the half.
45:55Thunder up seven.
45:57Meshack
45:57leases for Aldama
45:58ready for Santi Aldama
46:00is good.
46:02Yeah, it's important
46:02Aldama's got to get involved.
46:05He's coming off 37 points
46:07the last matchup
46:08against the Wizards
46:09his size and skill
46:11needs to be hunting his shot
46:13on the offensive end.
46:14And a spin move
46:14by Shea Gilchrist-Alexander
46:16leads to the foul underneath
46:17on Memphis.
46:19That's 14,000
46:20the quarter now
46:21in the brisket.
46:23Shea has improved
46:25so much in his career
46:26as a three-point shooter
46:27as we see him connect here.
46:28As we saw last season
46:29he started taking
46:30more three-point shots
46:31and prior to that
46:33a lot of his
46:33area of domination
46:35was in the mid-range
46:37but now that three-ball
46:38of course the mid-range
46:40and the ability to finish
46:41at the rim
46:42and get to the free-throw line
46:43just so hard
46:44so difficult to defend.
46:48And we talked to Mark Digno
46:49he talked about
46:50after winning the championship
46:53the theme
46:54was still to get better
46:56to look to improve
46:57and all his guys
46:59worked hard this offseason
47:01and improved
47:02got better
47:02and this
47:03this guy right here
47:05his numbers are similar
47:06identical
47:07but he's
47:08pretty pretty efficient
47:10from the forward.
47:12When you think about
47:12how good of a free-throw
47:13shooter he's always
47:14he's over 88% this year
47:1650-40-90
47:18that gold standard
47:19of shooting is in play
47:21because the field goal
47:22percentage is 55
47:23the three-point percentage
47:24is 43
47:25and the free-throw percentage
47:26certainly could be 90
47:28before it's all said
47:29and done
47:29he's done that before.
47:30Well verified air
47:31with some greats
47:32in that category.
47:34Off to turn over
47:35by the Grizzlies
47:35here's Barnheiser.
47:39Second round pick
47:40out of Northwestern.
47:43Six to shoot
47:44flinging out
47:45the Kendrick Williams
47:45three-point up
47:46no good
47:47Ole Max Prosper
47:48three fouls picked up
47:50on the first quarter
47:50some time on the floor
47:51here late in the second.
47:56Memphis led by seven
47:58in the first quarter.
47:59Thunder lead by seven
48:00right now.
48:04Shocklock winding down
48:05on Contabious
48:06Caldwell-Polk.
48:07Oh good little leave.
48:08Aldama turns the corner.
48:10Oh it's no good for Aldama.
48:13Kendrick Williams.
48:17Williams out the O2 court.
48:18Dort went after that pass.
48:20Got a touch on
48:21picked up by Shea.
48:23Williams on the attack.
48:24Walsh in the defense.
48:26Luke Dirk connects
48:27on the three ball.
48:28And Mark every time
48:29SGA gets into the paint
48:31four or five Grizzlies
48:33converge and
48:34he kicks it out.
48:36Swing swing
48:37for the open three.
48:38First double digit
48:38lead of this game.
48:39Ball's out of bounds
48:40here on the Thunder.
48:42And you have to help
48:44and the SGA is so good
48:45the reigning MVP
48:46he gets into the paint
48:48four or five guys there
48:50he sprays it out
48:51a little dribble drive.
48:54Sometimes you don't have
48:55to diagram things.
48:56I mean Mark Daino
48:57didn't do anything
48:57on that play.
48:58Guys just played
48:59made the right read.
49:01Of course it helps
49:01have an MVP.
49:02And too much air time
49:03on that pass
49:04and this is an Oklahoma
49:05City bread and butter
49:06play.
49:07Steel open court
49:08easy two.
49:10Ferocious finish
49:11by Jay Dove
49:12after the Kenridge
49:13Williams steal
49:14on the bad inbound pass.
49:17This is what the Thunder
49:18do better than anybody
49:20in the biz.
49:21Turnover run the floor
49:22quick score
49:23Thunder up a dozen.
49:24Memphis Grizzlies
49:39came into tonight's game
49:40having won six
49:41of their last seven
49:42road games
49:42or seven and seven
49:43overall this year
49:44on the road.
49:45They got off to
49:45a very good road start
49:46but Oklahoma City
49:47is built to lead to 12
49:48an important two minutes
49:49to close the half now.
49:50Yeah you want to get
49:51this under double digits
49:52going into halftime
49:53maybe six or seven
49:54it's going to have
49:55to be good offense
49:56certainly another
49:57turnover.
49:58You can't force feed
49:59the post
50:00against this small
50:01lineup.
50:02They just swarm
50:03on defense
50:04and we all kind of
50:05have it.
50:07And Jordan
50:07looking for another
50:08three and it's good
50:09he came into tonight
50:104-25 from the floor
50:12over the last three
50:12games.
50:13He's drilled two
50:14threes, important
50:15threes for him
50:16and the Thunder
50:16in the second quarter.
50:18Foul called here.
50:19They saw the 11th
50:24turnover of the game
50:26for Memphis.
50:27And they're trying
50:27to force feed the ball
50:28inside the Jackson.
50:30Great job by Williams
50:31fronting there
50:32and swarming
50:33on the help side
50:34and then they fly
50:35down the court
50:36and just make
50:37the right read
50:38Lou Dort
50:39said he had been
50:41struggling from three
50:42well looking like
50:44Lou Dort
50:45from three here
50:46in this game.
50:48Of course we know
50:48what he can do
50:49on the defensive end
50:50is the Dortcher
50:50Chamber.
50:51The Dortcher
50:51Chamber.
50:52Yes indeed.
50:54Jalen Wells
50:54trying to stop
50:55this 12-0.
50:56One got to the
50:57basket.
50:57Couldn't finish
50:58on the dunk
50:58attempt.
51:0012 in a row
51:01for the Thunder
51:01looking to make it
51:0315 of Dort
51:04hoist again
51:04but he'll turn
51:05down the outside
51:06shot.
51:07Now Jalen Williams.
51:11Ball goes out
51:12of bounds
51:12after the miss
51:14by Jalen Williams.
51:15And just like
51:16that you blink
51:16your eye
51:17and you know
51:18it's a close game
51:18back and forth
51:19maybe a two
51:20three-point lead
51:21and then
51:21the ability
51:22to go on
51:23spurts
51:23and really
51:24ignite it
51:25by their
51:26defense
51:27that's why
51:28they're the
51:28defending world
51:29champs.
51:30Just saw that
51:31graphic about
51:31the points off
51:32turnovers
51:32if the number
51:34stays over 22
51:35it will be an
51:35NBA record
51:36and there's a
51:3712th turnover
51:38of the game
51:39against Memphis.
51:40Shea
51:40taking it to the
51:41basket
51:42and finish
51:43inside for Shea.
51:44a game-changing run
51:48right now
51:49for the Thunder.
51:50The paint catch
51:51and score
51:51stops the bleeding
51:52for the moment
51:53for the Grizzlies
51:54as Jalen Wells
51:55ends that run.
51:57Oh, they got down
51:58the floor
51:58before the defense
51:59could get set.
52:01Up to the streets.
52:02and they've
52:07tried to come out
52:08Memphis
52:08and get the ball
52:09inside
52:09but they're
52:10fronting the post
52:11and they've got to
52:12throw a better pass
52:13than that
52:13or get an angle
52:14and of course
52:16SGA just takes
52:17his time
52:18and gets to the
52:19rim
52:19offhand
52:21and
52:22weapons
52:23everybody getting
52:25involved during
52:26this run
52:26for OKC.
52:28Santi Aldama
52:28called for the foul
52:29to the free throw line
52:30Jalen Williams.
52:31You look at the
52:32ebb and flow
52:33of this game, Grant.
52:34We feel like
52:34Kenridge Williams
52:35had an impact
52:36off the bench
52:37and Jalen Williams
52:39really embraced
52:39to your point
52:40when Shea was
52:41out of the game
52:41his offense
52:42looked much better
52:43when he was
52:44the primary initiator
52:45here at the start
52:46of the second quarter
52:46and he's continued
52:47on throughout the court.
52:48Yeah, great point, Mark.
52:49I mean, really,
52:50OKC, they came out
52:50a little flat.
52:51I was surprised
52:52especially at that
52:52they've lost two
52:53out of their last three
52:54but give credit
52:56Jalen Williams
52:56with that second unit
52:57Kenridge Williams
52:59those two
53:00especially really
53:01getting it going
53:02here and igniting
53:03this run.
53:04Shea has 15
53:05Williams has 12
53:06and Shea gets to 20
53:08that's a big number
53:09tonight
53:09more on that later
53:10step back
53:11late clock
53:11baseline
53:11and a nice balance
53:13pillow soft touch
53:14for Jalen Wells.
53:15That was a nice move
53:16right there
53:16but everything's a struggle
53:17on the offensive end
53:18to score
53:19making tough shots
53:21credit to this defense.
53:22on the crossover
53:24in the paint
53:25Shea
53:26for the
53:44the
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