Thunder Mount Historic Comeback, Stun Grizzlies to Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
Thunder Rally From 29 Down to Break Grizzlies’ Spirit
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 25
In what will go down as one of the most dramatic playoff comebacks in recent memory, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 29-point first-half deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108 on Thursday night, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 26, including the go-ahead free throw with just 1:20 remaining — the Thunder’s first lead of the night.
The Thunder trailed by as many as 67-38 late in the second quarter but outscored Memphis 63-31 in the second half, fueled by a dominant showing from Chet Holmgren, who scored 23 of his 24 points after halftime.
Morant Injury Leaves Memphis Reeling
The night took a devastating turn for Memphis just before halftime when Ja Morant went down with a left hip contusion after a hard fall on a fastbreak. He attempted a layup and was undercut by Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, crashing hard to the floor and requiring several minutes of attention before walking off the court under his own power.
Morant did not return for the second half. In the 15 minutes he played, he notched 15 points and five assists, helping the Grizzlies build what seemed like an insurmountable lead. But in his absence, Oklahoma City stormed back, overwhelming a young Memphis squad unable to match the Thunder’s poise and intensity down the stretch.
Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 28 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 22, but Memphis simply couldn’t recover from the loss of their star guard.
Clippers Dominate Nuggets in Lopsided Game 3 Win
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Over in the West, the Los Angeles Clippers put on a clinic with a 117-83 rout of the Denver Nuggets, seizing a 2-1 series lead in dominant fashion.
Kawhi Leonard was back to his old self, dropping 21 points with 11 rebounds and six assists, while James Harden lit up the first half with 20 points before shifting to a facilitator role. Norman Powell also added 20, and Ivica Zubac chipped in with 19 points and nine boards, as the Clippers cruised to their second straight victory.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic recorded yet another postseason triple-double — his 20th — with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, but the Nuggets struggled to find support around their MVP center. Jamal Murray matched Jokic with 23 points, and Aaron Gordon added 15, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the Clippers’ relentless pressure on both ends.
Knicks Edge Pistons Behind Towns and Brunson
DETROIT, Mich. — The New York Knicks held off a scrappy Detroit Pistons team in a back-and-forth Game 3, escaping with a 118-116 win to take a 2-1 series lead in their Eastern Conference first-round showdown.
Karl-Anthony Towns poured in 31 points, and Jalen Brunson added 30, including 12 crucial points in the fourth quarter to help close out the win. OG Anunoby also chipped in 22 for New York, which will now look to carry momentum into Game 4 on Sunday.
The Pistons showed fight, led by Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr., who each had 24 points. Cunningham was particularly impactful, handing out 11 assists in the effort. Dennis Schroder added 18, but it wasn’t enough to snap a home playoff drought that stretches all the way back to May 2008.
Around the League
As playoff intensity continues to rise, these games showcased everything the postseason promises: comebacks, clutch performances, and career-defining moments. The Thunder now sit one win away from advancing, while the Clippers and Knicks look to build on their momentum with pivotal Game 4s approaching. For the Grizzlies and Pistons, the road only gets steeper — and shorter — from here.
