On Monday night at Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder put together a performance that showcased just how deep, dynamic, and dangerous this young roster can be. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, OKC controlled the tempo against the Memphis Grizzlies, with contributions pouring in from all over the lineup.
At the heart of it all was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to look every bit the All-NBA force he’s become. Whether he was gliding past defenders like Jaren Jackson Jr. or knocking down smooth jumpers from beyond the arc, SGA dictated the pace with his signature blend of patience and precision. His ability to create space and finish through contact was on full display, and Memphis simply didn’t have an answer for him in isolation or in pick-and-roll coverage.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. The Thunder’s supporting cast stepped up in a big way.
Kenrich Williams came out firing, burying a three in the first quarter and later adding a crafty layup in transition. His energy and two-way play gave OKC a noticeable spark, especially during a second-quarter run that stretched the lead.
Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, continues to evolve into a matchup nightmare. The rookie big man threw down a powerful dunk in the second quarter that brought the crowd to its feet - a reminder of his growing confidence and vertical presence. Holmgren’s ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor has added a new layer to Oklahoma City’s offense, and his chemistry with SGA is starting to click in real time.
Cason Wallace also made his presence felt, slicing through the lane for a smooth layup over Memphis center Jock Landale. Wallace’s poise and decision-making continue to stand out for a rookie, and his contributions off the bench have become a steadying force for the Thunder’s second unit.
The Grizzlies tried to keep pace, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope knocking down a three in the second quarter, but Memphis struggled to find rhythm against OKC’s swarming defense. Luguentz Dort, as always, brought the intensity on that end, while also stepping into a three-pointer of his own to keep the scoreboard moving.
As the second quarter wore on, it became clear the Thunder weren’t letting up. Jalen Williams punctuated the half with a thunderous dunk, and Kenrich Williams added a steal that led to another fast-break opportunity. The ball movement was crisp, the defensive rotations tight, and the energy - from starters to reserves - relentless.
By the time the second half rolled around, Oklahoma City had built a comfortable cushion, and it was clear this was going to be their night. Shai continued to operate with surgical efficiency, weaving through defenders like Santi Aldama and finishing at the rim with ease. Whether it was a step-back three or a crafty layup in traffic, SGA was in full command.
Even role players like Aaron Wiggins made their presence felt - absorbing contact and battling for position, showing that on this Thunder team, every possession matters and every player is ready to contribute.
What we saw Monday night was a team that’s maturing before our eyes. The Thunder didn’t just beat Memphis - they imposed their will. From Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance to Holmgren’s flashes of dominance, from Dort’s defensive grit to the bench’s all-around impact, this was a full-team effort that underscored why Oklahoma City is becoming one of the most exciting stories in the NBA.
If this is the level of cohesion and execution we can expect moving forward, the rest of the Western Conference better be paying attention. The Thunder aren’t just coming - they’re already here.