Steven Adams and team bulldozed their way to victory

Memphis Grizzlies came out the gate swinging. The Grizzlies scored the first 19 points in the restricted area by physically punishing the smaller OKC Thunders. Steven Adams was able to score 2 quick easy buckets in the paint early. 

The Thunders made only 6 out of 23 shoot attempts. This resulting Ja Morant getting 7 rebounds before the first quarter hits the halfway mark.

Thanks to Shai Gilgeous- Alexander’s 9 free throws, the Grizzlies only led by 2 points at the end of the first quarter: 27-25.

The Grizzlies scored 62 of their points in the paint vs only 38 for the Thunders. 

Adams had an efficient game making 100% of his shoots. He ended his limited 21 minutes with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. The Thunders really had no answers for the Grizzlies’ size advantage in the paint. It shows in this particular play where Adams bulldoze his way for a 2 handed dunk:

Ja Morant set the new franchise record with 6 career triple-double. He finished the game with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals. 

This game also sees Ziaire Williams making his season debut return from patellar tendinitis in his right knee. He saw 18 minutes of action and contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr got a season high of 5 blocks. Included this huge recovery block.

Although Gilgeous-Alexander was able to get to the free-throw line 19 times, Dillon Brooks did a great job defending him and limited his shooting to 4 of 14 shot attempts. Brooks fills every column with 24 points, 3 Rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

Interesting fact:

• The Memphis Grizzlies are currently leading the league with the most alley-oops completed. The Grizzlies made 3 alley-oops dunks in this game.  

What’s next:

The Grizzlies will play Detroit Pistons at home on Friday night.