MEMPHIS, Tenn. –
Oklahoma City enters the matchup against Memphis fresh off a 132–101 rout of the Kings on Friday night
Isaiah Hartenstein delivered a career night, finishing with 33 points and 19 rebounds on 14-of-17 shooting, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 30 points and Ajay Mitchell posted an 18-point, 10-assist double-double.
The Thunder shot 53% from the field, poured in 70 points by halftime, and had six players finish in double figures. They dominated the paint 60–34 and were in full control by the third quarter. The victory also marked OKC’s first win in NBA Cup group play and improved the team’s record to 9–1, including a 29-game win streak in night games against teams with losing records.
Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s chemistry and Hartenstein’s development.
“He’s played great as time has gone on here,” Daigneault said. “He’s only gotten better, especially on the offensive end.” Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the sentiment, noting Hartenstein’s selfless approach.
“He does a really good job of doing the little things to help get other people open,” SGA said. “The ball just rewarded him.”
Grizzlies Trying to Build Momentum
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, snapped a four-game skid on Friday with a 118–104 home win over the Dallas Mavericks their most complete performance in weeks.
Ja Morant set the tone with 21 points and 13 assists, recording a double-double by halftime, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points and played with renewed confidence after a tough stretch. The win came just days after Morant’s brief team-issued suspension and marked a much-needed boost for first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
“We just got to keep growing and learning from here,” Morant said after the game.Memphis built a 35-point lead in the second half before coasting to the finish.
Still, the Grizzlies have struggled at home, losing 13 straight at FedExForum against teams with winning records and will face a massive test against the NBA’s hottest team.
Injury Report
Thunder:
Luguentz Dort – Questionable (Right Upper Trap Strain)Aaron Wiggins – Out (Left Adductor Strain)Nikola Topic – Out (Surgical Recovery)Thomas Sorber – Out (Right ACL Recovery)Jalen Williams – Out (Right Wrist Surgery)Kenrich Williams – Out (Left Knee Surgery)
Grizzlies:
Santi Aldama – Questionable (Left Shoulder Soreness)Brandon Clarke – Out (Right Knee Surgery Recovery)Zach Edey – Out (Left Ankle Surgery Recovery)PJ Hall – Available (G League – Two-Way)
What to Watch
Paint Presence: Hartenstein and Holmgren give OKC a size and length advantage. The Thunder outscored Sacramento 60–34 inside and will aim for a similar edge against Memphis.Morant’s Rhythm: After finding his form against Dallas, Morant’s ability to attack the rim and facilitate will determine if Memphis can hang with OKC’s pace.SGA’s Consistency: Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform like an MVP candidate, averaging 30+ points per game while controlling tempo on both ends.
Where to Watch
Date: Sunday, November 9
Time: 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
TV: FanDuel OK