The Oklahoma City Thunder are officially on the rise—and leading the charge is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s calm, collected, and completely unguardable superstar. After two dominant wins on their home floor, the Thunder now head to Memphis with a 2-0 lead in their opening-round series, looking every bit like a team ready to shake up the Western Conference playoff picture.
Game 2 was a showcase of everything that’s made SGA a force this season: smooth footwork, elite body control, next-level basketball IQ, and a relentless drive to win. He poured in 31 points, dished out 7 assists, grabbed 6 rebounds, and tallied 2 steals—continuing to stuff the stat sheet and set the tone for a Thunder squad that’s playing with swagger and purpose.
From the first quarter to the final buzzer, Shai controlled the pace. Whenever Memphis made a push, he responded with poise. Whether it was splitting double-teams, getting to the free throw line, or calmly sinking mid-range jumpers in crunch time, SGA delivered. The Grizzlies simply had no answer for him—and that’s becoming a trend.
“I’m just staying locked in,” Shai said after Game 2. “We’ve worked all year for this. Now it’s about taking it one game at a time and staying focused on what got us here.”
That laser-sharp focus has rubbed off on the entire Thunder roster. Rookie standout Chet Holmgren was once again a difference-maker on both ends, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His presence around the rim continues to frustrate Memphis drivers, and he’s showing an uncanny ability to step into big moments, despite this being his first playoff series.
Jalen Williams also continued his strong play, scoring 22 points with his usual blend of physicality and finesse. His chemistry with SGA is undeniable, and their two-man game has become one of the most dangerous weapons in OKC’s arsenal. Add in consistent contributions from the bench—Lu Dort’s perimeter defense, Isaiah Joe’s sharpshooting, and Josh Giddey’s versatility—and you’ve got a team that’s both deep and dangerous.
On the other side, Memphis has struggled to find answers. Ja Morant remains sidelined, and without their offensive engine, the Grizzlies are having trouble generating consistent scoring. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have had flashes, but OKC’s defensive intensity has kept them from fully taking over. Memphis will hope that a change of scenery—and the boost of their home crowd—can help them flip the script in Game 3.
But momentum clearly belongs to the Thunder. The youngest team in the playoffs doesn’t look rattled. In fact, they look energized, confident, and ready for the spotlight. Their ball movement, spacing, and commitment on defense are making them a tough matchup for anyone.
As the series shifts to Memphis, the question isn’t just whether the Grizzlies can protect home court—it’s whether they can slow down the Shai show. Because right now, SGA is doing it all. He’s scoring, creating, defending, and leading. And his team is feeding off every bit of it.
This 2-0 lead isn’t just about numbers. It’s about a young team arriving ahead of schedule. It’s about a franchise that rebuilt the right way, through the draft and development. And it’s about a star—SGA—who’s proving he belongs in the conversation with the very best in the league.
Now, with a 2-0 cushion and confidence riding high, the Thunder head to Memphis with a chance to take full control of the series. If Shai and company keep playing like this, don’t be surprised if this series ends sooner than expected.
One thing’s clear: the Thunder aren’t just coming—they’re here. ⚡️
