MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs, becoming the first team to advance after a narrow 117-115 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, completing a four-game sweep. With the regular seasonโs top record at 68-14, the Thunder are now afforded a brief respite, awaiting the outcome of the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets series, which is currently tied at two games apiece.
Despite progressing, the Thunder harbor mixed feelings about the layoff. โHonestly, it could work both ways against us,โ noted Jalen Williams, a forward for the team. โIt could add a little rust, or it can add a little freshness. I think trying to find a balance between those two is going to be important, however long it is that we have to wait until this next series.โ
The Thunder exercised their dominance in the initial games at home, but were challenged more rigorously on Memphisโs turf. Following a massive 51-point triumph in Game 1 and a commanding 19-point win in Game 2, Oklahoma City had to dig deep to overcome a 29-point gap in Game 3 before grinding out the decisive Game 4 win.
โThese last two have been good for us,โ commented Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. โOn a playoff stage with playoff pressure.โ An area where Oklahoma City showed significant improvement was with the performance of guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, particularly in Game 4. Known for topping the leagueโs scoring charts during the regular season with an average of 32.7 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to struggle initially, averaging 21 points and shooting 14 of 42 in the first two games.
Yet, Saturdayโs game was a different story, as the guard found his rhythm, making 13 of 24 shots and amassing 38 points, in addition to facilitating six assists. โHe was pretty consistent with his floor game in all these games,โ Daigneault observed. โI thought the way he played didnโt change, and thatโs what weโre focused on. I thought he had some makeable stuff in the early games that he missed, but I didnโt think he played any different. I just think he got into a groove (Saturday).โ
Reflecting on his mental growth, Gilgeous-Alexander shared how he has cultivated resilience. โI try not to focus on the results and just focus on my mental development,โ stated the guard. โI think Iโve taken a step forward in that, and I had a night like (Saturday) because of it. In the past, I would definitely, I guess, shied away from the moment because of where my shooting was headed.โ
Looking forward, both Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder aim to capitalize on their downtime. โWe always say the times between the games is the days that you have to win in the playoffs,โ Williams explained. โAnd thatโs (what) weโre going to try and tackle in this little break we get. Just try to be a better team.โ
While some expressed skepticism about the benefits of a break, Coach Daigneault highlighted its importance. โItโs good physically to rejuvenate,โ he explained, adding that itโs an opportunity for players to recover from any minor ailments and for strategic preparations. โI thought we handled it really well coming out of the regular season, getting ourselves ready to play at the start of this series. Weโre going to have to replicate that.โ