Introduction
The Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder rivalry in the 2025 NBA playoffs delivered high drama, surprising performances, and clear dominance by one team. Fans witnessed everything from blowout wins to last-minute thrillers. In this article, we break down the match stats, top players, and the impact this series had on both franchises. This content is focused entirely on the keyword Memphis Grizzlies vs. OKC Thunder match player stats.
Team Background: Where Are They From?
Memphis Grizzlies
- Country: United States
- City: Memphis, Tennessee
- Founded: 1995 (Vancouver), relocated to Memphis in 2001
- Known For: Physical defense, “Grind City” mentality
- Key Players: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane
Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)
- Country: United States
- City: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Founded: 1967 as Seattle SuperSonics, moved to OKC in 2008
- Known For: Youth rebuild, strong draft culture
- Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
When and Where Did the Matches Happen?
- Series Duration: April 20 to April 26, 2025
- Venues:
- Games 1 & 2: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- Games 3 & 4: FedExForum, Memphis
The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 4–0 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Game-by-Game Scores and Stats
| Game | Venue | Final Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City | Thunder 131 – Grizzlies 80 | OKC |
| 2 | Oklahoma City | Thunder 118 – Grizzlies 99 | OKC |
| 3 | Memphis | Thunder 114 – Grizzlies 108 | OKC |
| 4 | Memphis | Thunder 117 – Grizzlies 115 | OKC |
Top Performing Players
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Game 4: 38 points, 6 assists
- Series Average: 27.8 points/game
- Player of the Series
- Jalen Williams
- Scored 20+ points in 3 games
- Reliable secondary scorer
- Chet Holmgren
- Game 2: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks
- Defensive anchor and rim protector
Memphis Grizzlies
- Ja Morant
- Game 2: 23 points
- Injured in Game 3 (hip contusion)
- Scotty Pippen Jr.
- Game 4: 30 points, 11 rebounds
- Santi Aldama
- Game 4: 23 points, 9 rebounds
Player of the Series
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder)
With a consistent performance throughout the series, SGA led his team both emotionally and statistically. His clutch plays in Game 4 secured the sweep and showcased his MVP-level talent.
Impact of Injuries
- Ja Morant’s Injury (Game 3):
Morant fell hard on his hip and was ruled out for the rest of the series. This was a turning point. Without their offensive engine, the Grizzlies couldn’t maintain momentum.
Tactical Takeaways
OKC Thunder
- Strong defense, especially perimeter and rim protection
- Efficient scoring with balanced contributions
- Excellent bench strength
Memphis Grizzlies
- Relied heavily on Morant
- Struggled defensively against OKC’s pace
- Bench lacked consistency
Full Match Schedule with Key Moments
| Game | Date | Location | Key Highlight |
| 1 | April 20 | Oklahoma City | Largest playoff Game 1 blowout in NBA history |
| 2 | April 22 | Oklahoma City | Holmgren’s double-double + 5 blocks |
| 3 | April 24 | Memphis | Grizzlies led by 29 at half, lost after injury |
| 4 | April 26 | Memphis | SGA drops 38, secures series sweep |
Player Efficiency Comparison
| Player | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | Turnovers/Game |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 52% | 38% | 91% | 2.1 |
| Jalen Williams | 49% | 35% | 82% | 1.3 |
| Chet Holmgren | 57% | 32% | 78% | 1.9 |
| Ja Morant | 44% | 30% | 79% | 3.5 |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. | 47% | 33% | 81% | 2.8 |
Fan Reactions and Media Highlights
- ThunderStorm trended on social media after Game 1’s shocking 51-point win.
- ESPN’s commentary: OKC’s young core plays with poise beyond their years.
- Bleacher Report: Grizzlies need to address the Morant-dependency issue.
Series Averages by Team
| Stat | Thunder Avg | Grizzlies Avg |
| Points/Game | 120.0 | 100.5 |
| Field Goal % | 51.3% | 43.2% |
| Rebounds | 45.2 | 39.8 |
| Assists | 27.6 | 21.3 |
| Turnovers | 9.8 | 15.7 |
The Bigger Picture
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Finals contender with MVP-level SGA
- Holmgren’s presence adds elite rim protection
- Young core proving playoff maturity
Memphis Grizzlies
- Need more depth and injury insurance
- Morant can’t carry alone—a co-star is vital
- Bench rotation needs strategic upgrades
FAQs
Q1: Who was the best player in the Memphis Grizzlies vs the OKC Thunder playoff series?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) was the top performer, averaging nearly 28 points per game.
Q2: How many games did the Thunder win against the Grizzlies?
A: Thunder won all 4 games in the series, completing a clean sweep.
Q3: What happened to Ja Morant during the series?
A: Ja Morant suffered a hip injury in Game 3 and did not return for the rest of the series.
Q4: Who surprised fans with an outstanding performance for Memphis?
A: Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in Game 4.
Q5: What’s next for OKC after beating Memphis?
A: OKC advances to face the winner of the Clippers vs Nuggets series in the Western Semifinals.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder match player stats clearly show Oklahoma City’s dominance in every category—from scoring and defense to game tempo. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, Thunder completed a clean sweep and advanced to the next round. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, hampered by injuries and inconsistency, now face a critical offseason.
For fans, analysts, and fantasy managers alike, this series was a data goldmine. Stay tuned as the Thunder look to extend their playoff run! Click Here.
