Thunder Use Strong Second Half to Beat Memphis
The Oklahoma City broke open a close game to build a double digit lead, then held off Memphis late to beat the Grizzlies 118-112 on Saturday night at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
There were 21 lead changes in the first half, but the Thunder led by two at halftime and never trailed in the second half, getting the win to tie Denver for first place in the Western Conference standings.
The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field for the game and had six players in double figure scoring, including all five starters.
Jalen Williams led the way with 23 points, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 20 and Chet Holmgren putting up a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Josh Giddey had 13 points and Luguentz Dort 12, while Isaiah Joe added off the bench.
The Thunder built their lead to 14 in the third quarter, then survived a late Memphis rally, as they trimmed the OKC lead to four in the fourth quarter.
The Thunder improved to 47-20 on the season.
OKC returns home next to play Utah Wednesday night at 7:00 pm.