Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points (16 in the first quarter), and the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 in Game 4 of the first round to advance to the Western Conference semifinals, completing a sweep.
The Grizzlies came back from 6 down to lead by 1 early in the third quarter, but the Thunder answered with a 9-0 run and led 108-96 with 3:37 left. The Grizzlies cut it to 2 in the final seconds.
The Grizzlies got within 88-87 on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 10-foot hook shot with 11:44 to play, but Isaiah Hartenstein answered with a floater.
During clutch time, the teams each scored 9. Desmond Bane scored 4 of the Grizzlies’ 9 on 1 for 2 shooting and 1 for 2 at the line.
Jalen Williams scored 23 points (10 in the fourth quarter).
For the Grizzlies, Scotty Pippen Jr. had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Santi Aldama added 23 points and 9 rebounds on 9 for 13 shooting. Bane scored 23 points. The Grizzlies had 3 20-point scorers.
The Grizzlies forced 8 turnovers, about 7 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Thunder outscored the Grizzlies 20-7 on the fast break. The Grizzlies were outscored 20-9 in 6 minutes with Konchar, Bane, Aldama, Pippen and Edey on the floor together. Zach Edey and Pippen fouled out.