OKC Thunder: 3 keys vs. Grizzlies feature trade deadline auditions

Feb 17, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY SportsAlexander (2) dribbles against Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24): Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY SportsAlexander (2) dribbles against Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24): Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball against Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24) : Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

OKC Thunder key no. 3 – PIP and turnovers

Despite the teams splitting the prior meetings, a few common denominators occurred in both matches.

First, the OKC Thunder failed to protect the ball which led to 18 turnovers in the initial game and an atrocious 25 turnovers in the second meeting. Memphis scored 23 and 35 points respectively off those turnovers.

Although the Thunder ranks 24th in the NBA averaging 14.1 turnovers per game, ironically they won the game where they almost doubled that output.

Scoring in the paint dramatically leaned toward the Grizzlies who dominated the Thunder in both matches. In the win, Memphis outscored OKC 52 to 24 in the paint, and in the loss dominated 62 to 40 in the paint.

Recalling the March 14th victory, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only typical starter who played. As per below the expectation is Theo Maledon, Luguentz Dort and Al Horford will play.

Horford missed both prior meetings which could play a factor particularly in terms of defending Jonas Valanciunas who registered double-doubles in both games. Specifically on February 17th – 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 22 points with 12 rebounds on March 14th.

Like Muscala, this matchup could prove beneficial for Horford if he limits JV as it would offer additional fodder for Presti leading up to Thursday’s deadline talks