Thunder vs Grizzlies: 2025 NBA Playoff Series Overview

Thunder Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead After Historic Comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a 3-0 series lead over the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, highlighted by a dramatic 114-108 comeback victory on April 24, 2025. This game is notable for several reasons:

• The Thunder overcame a 29-point deficit after Memphis' star guard Ja Morant left the game with a hip injury with just over three minutes left in the first half, at which point the Grizzlies led 67-40. Memphis extended the lead to 26 points at halftime, but Oklahoma City stormed back in the second half [ESPN] [NBA.com].
• Chet Holmgren was pivotal, scoring 23 of his 24 points after halftime to anchor the Thunder’s rally. The Thunder only took their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter.
• This 29-point comeback is now the second-largest in NBA postseason history since play-by-play data began in 1996-97. The only bigger comeback was the Los Angeles Clippers’ 31-point turnaround against the Golden State Warriors in 2019.

Recent Series Results

Game 1 was a blowout in favor of the Thunder, who defeated the Grizzlies 131-80, marking the fifth-largest margin of victory in NBA playoff history. The series has been defined by dramatic swings: a massive win for Oklahoma City followed by a record-setting comeback.

Coaching and Reactions

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commented on his team's resilience:

"I just thought out of halftime, we kind of reconnected to who we are. We were very out of character in the first half," he said after the comeback win.

Injury Impact

Ja Morant’s departure with a hip injury was a turning point. Before his exit, the Grizzlies were firmly in control. His status is critical as Memphis faces elimination in Game 4.

Historical Context and Game Trends

The Thunder have dominated this series so far and can close it out in the next game. Historical data from StatMuse suggests that, over the last 20 meetings, there have been stretches where the Grizzlies have held the advantage, but the momentum has clearly shifted in this playoff matchup.

Key Stats from Game 3 (April 24, 2025)

• Final score: Thunder 114, Grizzlies 108
• Thunder erased a 29-point deficit
• Chet Holmgren: 24 points (23 in second half)
• The Thunder did not take the lead until the fourth quarter.

Next Game

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, where the Thunder have a chance to sweep the series and eliminate the Grizzlies.

Takeaways for Professionals in Thunder vs Grizzlies

For those in the professional realm of basketball management and coaching, this series highlights the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and the importance of resilience and adaptability. Oklahoma City’s ability to adjust and overcome significant obstacles can serve as a case study for team management and on-court strategy.

Our team at newsomix.com stays committed to providing in-depth analysis and insights. By exploring game trends and player performance, we aim to equip our readership with the knowledge to better understand and anticipate pivotal games in series like Thunder vs Grizzlies.

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