The Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies meet for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on April 26, 2025, at FedExForum, with the Thunder firmly in control, holding a 3-0 series lead and looking to complete a decisive sweep. Oklahoma City has showcased exactly why they finished the regular season with an impressive 68-14 record, bringing relentless energy, defensive toughness, and offensive efficiency to a series that has been largely one-sided from the outset. Game 1 set the tone emphatically, with the Thunder cruising to a 131-80 victory, and while Games 2 and 3 were more competitive, Oklahoma City’s superiority in execution, depth, and composure has remained evident. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the charge, averaging over 28 points per game in the series, while rookie sensation Chet Holmgren has been a major difference-maker on both ends, altering shots defensively and stretching the floor offensively. The Thunder’s perimeter defense has been particularly stifling, forcing Ja Morant into difficult shots and containing Memphis’ secondary scorers, leaving the Grizzlies struggling to generate consistent offense. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City’s ball movement and unselfish play have created open looks for a variety of contributors, including Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey, making it difficult for Memphis to focus their defensive efforts on any single player. For the Grizzlies, the story has been a familiar and frustrating one, plagued by inconsistent shooting, an inability to protect the basketball, and defensive lapses that the Thunder have punished ruthlessly. Injuries to key rotation players have further exposed Memphis’ lack of depth, and despite Ja Morant’s heroics in stretches, the Grizzlies have been unable to put together a complete game to challenge Oklahoma City’s dominance.

As Game 4 approaches, the Thunder will look to maintain their focus and avoid any temptation to let up, understanding that a sweep would provide valuable rest before a deeper playoff run. Head coach Mark Daigneault has emphasized discipline and staying aggressive, warning against the dangers of giving a proud Memphis team any hope of swinging momentum back their way. On the other side, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins will be urging his team to play with desperation and pride, focusing on improving their defensive rotations, limiting second-chance points, and trying to force Oklahoma City into more contested shots. The Grizzlies will need a near-perfect performance and likely a career night from Morant to avoid elimination, but the odds heavily favor a Thunder sweep if they continue executing at the level they’ve displayed throughout the series. Expect the Thunder to come out sharp, pushing the pace, pressuring ball-handlers defensively, and looking to establish an early lead that could deflate the home crowd at FedExForum. If Oklahoma City continues to dominate the glass, force turnovers, and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc, it is difficult to envision anything other than a clean four-game sweep and a statement that the Thunder are a true championship contender this postseason.