The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered one of the most remarkable performances in NBA playoff history during Game 3 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Down by a staggering 29 points in the first half, the Thunder rallied to secure a 114-108 victory, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Memphis outscored the Thunder 40-29 in the first quarter and extended their lead to 77-51 by halftime. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after Morant suffered a hip contusion late in the second quarter following a hard fall. His absence in the second half proved to be a turning point.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder mounted an extraordinary comeback. Holmgren, who had only one point at halftime, exploded for 24 points in the second half, including 16 in the third quarter. His clutch shooting and defensive presence ignited the Thunder’s resurgence. Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points, while Williams added 26.
The Thunder outscored the Grizzlies 36-18 in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. They took their first lead of the game with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter and held on for the win. The 29-point comeback marked the second-largest in NBA playoff history, and the 26-point halftime deficit was the largest ever overcome in the postseason.
The Grizzlies struggled to find their rhythm without Morant, who had been their standout performer in the first half. Despite their early dominance, Memphis was unable to withstand the Thunder’s relentless pressure and efficient execution in the second half.
With this victory, the Thunder are on the brink of sweeping the series. As the series heads to Game 4, the Grizzlies face the daunting task of regrouping and attempting to make history by overcoming a 3-0 deficit.
