The Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder have faced each other several times in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Key statistical leaders in these matchups include Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane for the Grizzlies, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren for the Thunder.
C.J. McCollum (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Points: 27.8 per game
- Assists: 6.1 per game
- Rebounds: 4.3 per game
- Field Goal %: 47.2%
McCollum consistently led the scoring charge, often delivering big buckets in critical moments. His efficient shooting and savvy court vision kept Memphis in control.
Ja Morant
- Points: 23.4 per game
- Assists: 8.7 per game
- Rebounds: 5.0 per game
- Steals: 1.6 per game
Morant’s explosive drives and playmaking energized the Grizzlies’ offense, with his dynamic athleticism creating havoc in transition and in half-court sets.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Points: 18.2 per game
- Rebounds: 7.8 per game
- Blocks: 2.4 per game
Jackson anchored the interior defense, altering shots and protecting the rim, while also stretching the floor with his occasional three-point presence.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Points: 29.1 per game
- Assists: 7.3 per game
- Rebounds: 5.1 per game
- Field Goal %: 49.8%
Okla’s superstar took over contests with scoring bursts and intelligent distribution. His efficiency was a driving force behind OKC’s offensive identity.
Chet Holmgren
- Points: 19.7 per game
- Rebounds: 9.2 per game
- Blocks: 1.9 per game
Holmgren’s blend of size and skill challenged Memphis’s frontcourt his shot-blocking and rim-running were central to OKC’s defense and transition attack.
Josh Giddey
- Points: 13.4 per game
- Assists: 6.9 per game
- Rebounds: 7.0 per game
Giddey’s versatility as a point-forward added a creative dynamic. His push-pull drives and court spacing helped ignite Thunder’s ball movement.
Key Matchups & Storylines
Backcourt Battle: McCollum vs. Gilgeous‑Alexander
This duel was a highlight both guards averaged high 20s in scoring, but SGA edged with better efficiency and playmaking. McCollum’s veteran savvy and off-ball movement offered Memphis balance.
Paint & Transition Contrast
Jackson Jr. vs. Holmgren was a clash of interior styles: Jackson’s blocking and pick-and-pop vs. Holmgren’s vertical rim protection and outlet passing. OKC leaned on fast-breaks; Memphis controlled pace with their half-court sets.
Supporting Cast Impact
- Memphis’ Dante Dieng and Luke Kennard chipped in with ~12 points off the bench.
- OKC’s Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins added third-guard pressure, contributing 14–17 points with streaky scoring.
Statistical Trends & Team Impact
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams hovered around 36%, but Memphis attempted more, while OKC capitalized in transition looks.
- Turnover Battle: Memphis averaged just 12 turnovers; OKC at 14 spread was driven by Grizzlies’ disciplined ball control.
- Rebounding Edge: Thunder grabbed +3 more offensive boards per game, extending possessions and gaining second-chance points.
Conclusion
In this showdown, both sides showcased why they’re playoff-ready: elite point guards, budding big men, and depth. Memphis thrived with structured offense and perimeter spacing, while Oklahoma City countered with athleticism, fast-break aggression, and interior length.
FAQs: Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats
Q1: Who was the top scorer in the Grizzlies vs Thunder match?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander often leads the scoring for the Thunder, while Ja Morant or C.J. McCollum typically tops the chart for the Grizzlies. In most head-to-heads, SGA slightly edges out in points per game.
Q2: Which player had the most assists in the game?
A: Ja Morant and Josh Giddey are both high-assist players. Morant usually averages more, especially when fully healthy and leading the Grizzlies’ transition game.
Q3: Who dominated the rebounding battle?
A: Chet Holmgren often leads OKC in rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. or another Grizzlies big (like Xavier Tillman) tends to battle hard on the glass. Holmgren’s length gives OKC an edge in offensive boards.
Q4: How did the bench players perform?
A: For Memphis, Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams can be X-factors off the bench with three-point shooting. OKC’s Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe provide energy and scoring punch in limited minutes.
Q5: Which team had better shooting percentages?
A: OKC tends to be more efficient from the field, especially with Shai’s ability to get high-percentage looks. Memphis takes more perimeter shots but may fluctuate in accuracy.
Q6: Who had the most defensive impact?
A: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies) stands out for blocks and rim protection. On OKC’s side, Chet Holmgren’s length and timing disrupt drives and alter shots effectively.
Q7: What was the key stat that decided the match?
A: Turnovers and fast-break points usually tilt the game. Memphis relies on controlling pace and making fewer mistakes, while OKC’s quick pace and transition buckets can swing momentum.
Q8: Which matchup was most important?
A: Ja Morant vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is always the highlight. Their contrasting styles Morant’s explosiveness vs. Shai’s calm efficiency often dictate which team controls the game flow.
Q9: Did any rookie or young player stand out?
A: Chet Holmgren for OKC is often a standout due to his all-around presence on both ends. Memphis’ younger role players like GG Jackson have also shown flashes of high potential.
Q10: How did three-point shooting affect the game?
A: It’s often a deciding factor. OKC looks for quality shots within their flow, while Memphis leans more on volume. Whichever team catches fire from deep usually gains a major edge.
Mia Luxe