In a stunning turn of events, the Memphis Grizzlies squandered a staggering 29-point lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder, succumbing to a shocking 114-108 defeat in Game 3 of their playoff series. The pivotal moment came with just three minutes left in the game when star guard Ja Morant suffered a hard fall, abruptly shifting the momentum in favor of the Thunder.
Up by 29 points, the Grizzlies seemed poised for victory, but a catastrophic drought in scoring sealed their fate. After a bucket at the 4:51 mark in the fourth quarter, Memphis went silent, failing to put any points on the board for nearly five minutes. This offensive collapse allowed the Thunder to capitalize on their misfortune, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who exploded for 31 points. Teammates Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams also contributed significantly, scoring 24 and 26 points, respectively.
The unsung hero of the evening was Alex Caruso, whose relentless hustle and four crucial steals turned the tide for OKC. With every critical play, Caruso injected life into the Thunder’s comeback, showcasing the importance of tenacity in high-stakes situations.
As the Grizzlies head into Game 4 in Memphis, uncertainty looms over Morant’s availability, adding to the tension as they face the grim possibility of a series sweep. Can the Grizzlies regroup and rally without their star? Or will the Thunder continue their relentless pursuit of victory? Fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this dramatic playoff saga unfolds.