The Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder square off in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on April 22, 2025, with the Thunder holding a 1–0 lead after a commanding 125–104 win in Game 1 at Paycom Center. The top-seeded Thunder looked every bit the part of a postseason powerhouse in the opener, combining elite offensive execution with stifling defense to take firm control of the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the centerpiece of their success, exploding for 37 points on efficient shooting while also dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds, continuing a season where he’s firmly established himself as one of the NBA’s elite two-way players. Oklahoma City’s supporting cast delivered as well, with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey each contributing on both ends—Holmgren in particular provided a defensive anchor in the paint and a floor-spacing threat that pulled Memphis’s bigs away from the basket. The Thunder’s ability to move the ball, create clean looks from deep, and convert in transition gave them full control of Game 1 from the second quarter onward, and they showed no signs of the postseason jitters typically associated with young squads. For the Grizzlies, the loss served as a wake-up call—highlighting issues with defensive breakdowns, poor shot selection, and an inability to contain the Thunder’s speed and spacing. Memphis entered this series as clear underdogs, and their performance in Game 1 reinforced the gap they must bridge if they intend to make this competitive. Ja Morant, while a dynamic talent, struggled under the pressure of OKC’s defense and finished with more turnovers than assists, a trend that cannot continue if Memphis hopes to steal a game on the road. Jaren Jackson Jr. offered solid production in stretches, but he was plagued by foul trouble, a recurring issue that limits his availability and aggressiveness on both ends.

Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart attempted to provide backcourt stability and defensive resistance, but Oklahoma City’s ball movement and shooting quickly neutralized their efforts. The Grizzlies will need to make several tactical adjustments—improving defensive rotations, cutting down on live-ball turnovers, and generating higher-percentage looks through pick-and-roll sets or interior post-ups—to avoid falling into an 0–2 hole. They were thoroughly outmatched on the boards and struggled to defend in space, particularly when the Thunder spread the floor with Holmgren at center and surrounded him with shooters. Coach Taylor Jenkins will be tasked with refocusing his group and finding lineup combinations that can compete with OKC’s pace without sacrificing defensive integrity. As for the Thunder, Game 2 presents an opportunity to solidify their control of the series and continue building postseason confidence in front of one of the most energized home crowds in the league. Their 54–26–2 ATS record—the best in the NBA—reflects how consistently they’ve outperformed expectations all season, and their performance in Game 1 was a seamless continuation of their regular season dominance. Mark Daigneault’s squad plays with maturity beyond its years, executing clean sets, communicating defensively, and staying composed in crunch-time scenarios. If the Thunder replicate their Game 1 intensity, limit second-chance opportunities, and continue forcing the Grizzlies into contested jumpers, they will remain firmly in control. But playoff series can shift quickly, and Memphis—though outgunned in the opener—still possesses explosive firepower and postseason experience that can surface under the right conditions. Game 2 will test whether the Thunder can sustain their level or whether the Grizzlies have a counterpunch ready. With momentum on the line and both teams aware of the stakes, Tuesday night’s showdown could define the tone for the rest of the series.