The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-114., the team’s seventh straight defeat, on Wednesday night at FedExForum in their final game before the All-Star Break.
Paul George led Oklahoma City with 28 points (10-15 FG, 6-9 3P), with 22 of his total points coming in the first half. Russell Westbrook finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds and a game-high 15 assists for his 17th triple-double this season. Carmelo Anthony added 19 points (7-18 FG, 4-10 3P).
After 13 lead changes, Memphis had a 42-40 advantage with 8:09 to play in the first half before Oklahoma City went on a 26-4 run over the next 6:03 to take a 20-point lead. Oklahoma City put up 73 points through the first two frames and maintained a 20-point halftime advantage.
After trailing as many as 22 in the third quarter, the Grizzlies began chomping at the lead, as they began the fourth quarter in a 10-point hole (94-84). Memphis would come within a single-point of tying scores twice in the final five minutes of action (104-103 at 5:00 and 115-114 at 47.1), but were unable to regain a lead as the Thunder scored six unanswered to close out the game.
The Grizzlies got a career-high 28 points (10-16 FG) from Andrew Harrison, who was also a career-high 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Tyreke Evans added 23 points (8-18 FG, 4-7 3P) and a team-high nine rebounds. Jarell Martin finished with 17 points (7-12 FG) and eight rebounds off the bench. Chandler Parsons returned to action after missing the previous 20 games with right knee soreness and saw 12 minutes of action, finishing with five points.
Next Game
The Grizzlies will be back at FedExForum next Friday when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers for their lone trip to Memphis this season. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT. Tune in to FOX Sports Southeast presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.
Key Stats of the Night
- Oklahoma City outscored the Grizzlies 39-20 in the second quarter, shooting 11-of-18 (.611) from the field and 8-of-12 (.667) from three-point range. Additionally, the Thunder assisted on 10 of its 11 makes.
Key Run of the Night
- With Memphis leading 42-40 with 8:09 remaining in the first half, Oklahoma City went on a 26-4 run over the next 6:03 to take a 20-point lead. Prior to the run, there had been 13 lead changes and six ties.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Andrew Harrison set new career highs in points (28), field goals (10-15 FG), three-pointers (5-5 3P). Harrison has set career highs in scoring in two straight home games (and two of his last three games overall).
- Tyreke Evans (23 points) posted his 24th game of 20-or-more points while tallying nine rebounds and seven assists.
- Jarell Martin posted his third career game with at least 17 points and eight rebounds. His 17 points tied his second-highest career scoring total.
- Paul George (28 points) has led the Thunder in scoring for five straight games. George scored 22 of his 28 points in the first half and shot 10-of-15 from the field and 6-of-9 from three-point range. In the second quarter, George was 4-of-4 (all threes) with 13 points.
- The loss marks seven straight for the Grizzlies. Memphis heads into the All-Star Break at 18-38, marking its lowest winning percentage at the break since the 2008-09 season (15-37, .288).