Mon Apr 28 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Thunder Storm Past Grizzlies, Sweeping Series Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s Early Struggles
**MEMPHIS, Tenn.** – The Oklahoma City Thunder have completed a stunning first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, fueled by a dominant Game 4 performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a consistently strong showing from Jalen Williams. Despite shooting a below-average 35.3% from the field in the first three games, Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 38 points in the series-clinching 117-115 victory, hitting his first seven shots.
“I just think he got into a groove,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, downplaying the MVP finalist’s early struggles. Gilgeous-Alexander himself attributed his Game 4 performance to improved mental fortitude, stating, “I think I made a jump as far as that this year. I try not to focus on the results and just focus on my mental development.”
Williams continued his strong series, averaging 23.3 points and 5.3 assists over the four games, including a 23-point, five-assist effort in Game 4. The Thunder’s success wasn’t solely reliant on their star players; their league-leading defense forced 22 turnovers from the injury-depleted Grizzlies (missing Ja Morant) in Game 4, leading to 32 points. This defensive prowess was a consistent theme throughout the series, with Oklahoma City racking up a total of 103 points off turnovers.
Despite the impressive sweep, some questioned Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance until the final game. However, teammates defended him, with Chet Holmgren stating, “He was making the right plays all series…trusting people, and that’s been really helpful.”
The Thunder’s first-round sweep marks their second consecutive first-round sweep, and sets up a second-round matchup against the winner of the Denver Nuggets-LA Clippers series.
First Piper 