The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 to win Sport 4 and advance to Western Convention Semifinals.
Memphis put up a spirited effort within the absence of star level guard Ja Morant, enjoying with the desperation of a staff on the verge of being swept.
Scotty Pippen Jr. was enormous as the place to begin guard, ending with 30 factors, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama every completed with 23 factors however it wasn’t sufficient in the long run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was great in closing out the Grizzlies, racking up 38 factors, 5 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block. Jalen Williams completed with 23.
The Grizzlies made it compelling proper to the buzzer. After Luguentz Dort knocked down two free-throws to provide the Thunder a 114-108 lead with 49 seconds remaining, Vince Williams and Desmond Bane sandwiched three-pointers round a clutch Gilgeous-Alexander bucket.
Oklahoma Metropolis’s Williams then made one in all two free-throws for a 117-114 lead with six seconds remaining, opening the door for the Grizzlies to tie.
With Memphis operating the ultimate play for a 3, the Thunder made the smart move to foul earlier than a shot went up and forcing Bane right into a state of affairs the place he’d must miss the second free-throw to have an opportunity.
Bane made the primary and deliberately missed the second free-throw however the Grizzlies couldn’t corral the rebound.
Main Change Awaiting Grizzlies?
It was a tumultuous finish to the season for Memphis, firing Taylor Jenkins weeks earlier than the playoffs.
The way by which this staff tumbled down the standings within the second half of the season after being as excessive because the second seed suggests extra adjustments may very well be on the best way.
Some hypothesis has already been made about whether or not Morant has performed his final recreation as a member of the Grizzlies. There’s motive to consider a change of surroundings might for Morant and a contemporary really feel for the Grizzlies may very well be greatest for either side.
This iteration of the Grizzlies has only one playoff sequence win over the past 5 seasons.
Thunder Sit Again And Wait On Nuggets vs. Clippers
Oklahoma Metropolis delivered on expectations within the first spherical, easing previous the Grizzlies on the again of their stifling protection.
Their subsequent opponent shall be both the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Clippers, two groups locked in an incredible battle. The Clippers lead the sequence 2-1 with Sport 4 Saturday evening.
The Thunder will now have at the least every week off as their subsequent sequence can’t start till at the least Might 3.
