The Oklahoma City Thunder proved too much for Memphis once again, cruising to a dominant 118–99 win in Game 2 on April 23 and taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the first-round of the NBA playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers:
Desmond Bane 19 PTS | 12 REB | 4 AST | 44.4 FPS
Bane has been struggling offensively in this series but he stayed productive by contributing in many areas. He’s a reliable all-around presence this season, particularly in rebounding and playmaking, though facing the Thunder has proven more challenging. While his production may remain limited in certain areas this series, he should continue to provide strong value as a scorer.
Ja Morant 23 PTS | 6 AST | 2 STL | 38.4 FPS
Morant notched his third 20-point game of the postseason but his struggles were hard to ignore—he took more shots than points scored, got to the line sparingly, and committed 5 turnovers. With Game 3 set on their home court, a more efficient and composed performance should be within reach.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 26 PTS | 2 3PM | 6 REB | 33.2 FPS
JJJ found his rhythm on offense, shooting at almost 60%, helping his team pull within single digits in the third and finishing above his season average. However, his impact was limited elsewhere—he has also provided little defensively in this series, recording just 1 stock so far.
Zach Edey 7 REB | 3 AST | 2 BLK | 21.9 FPS
Edey’s limited offensive role may cap his fantasy value but he remains relevant with his rebounding and blocking.
Scottie Pippen Jr. 13 PTS | 4 REB | 1 AST | 18.3 FPS
Pippen went through another difficult shooting performance. While he managed his usual production in scoring today, his impact in other areas remains limited. But he should have plenty of opportunities to bounce back as part of the starting lineup.
Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 27 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST | 48.1 FPS
SGA had to work hard for his points today, as the Grizzlies have done an excellent job containing him—holding him to under 35% shooting in back-to-back games for the first time this season. They’ve also effectively limited his production from the line, allowing just 11 free throw attempts over two games, well below his season average of nearly nine per game. Even with his efficiency down, the Thunder hold a commanding lead in the series, with a combined margin of 70 points across their two wins.
Chet Holmgren 20 PTS | 11 REB | 5 BLK | 47.2 FPS
Holmgren continues to stand out as one of the top two-way players in the series. He recorded his second straight 19-point double-double, knocking down three triples, and has totaled 8 stocks over the first two games. His versatility at his position makes him a constant X-factor.
Jalen Williams 24 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 40.7 FPS
JDub keeps producing offensively, scoring 20+ again with his usual effectiveness inside—though his perimeter shooting remains off. He’s less effective in defense today but he balanced it out with solid rebounding and playmaking numbers.
Alex Caruso 13 PTS | 3 AST | 3 STL | 34.3 FPS
Caruso had a quiet Game 1, but made a major impact today, delivering solid value on both ends of the floor. While this level of production may not be consistent, his two-way game keeps him a sneaky threat moving forward.
Isaiah Hartenstein 6 PTS | 10 REB | 3 AST | 23.5 FPS
Hartenstein had a tough offensive night after his efficient 7-for-8 performance in Game 1, but he still maintained strong value in other areas. With Holmgren playing better, his production could stay at this level in the next games.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Santi Aldama 10 PTS | 2 3PM | 5 REB
Santi played a significant role in the rotation today, but shot poorly and contributed little overall. However, a much better scoring performance remains possible.
