Backup Guards Power Memphis Grizzlies To Game 5 Victory, Ending Thunder's Three-Point Drought

Michael

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Post on Jun 23, 2025

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Backup Guards Power Memphis Grizzlies to Game 5 Victory, Ending Thunder's Three-Point Drought

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Grizzlies roared back into the series lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a crucial 115-109 Game 5 victory fueled by an unexpected offensive surge from their bench guards. The win not only puts Memphis ahead 3-2 in the series but also marked a significant end to Oklahoma City's frustrating three-point shooting slump.

The game was a nail-biter, with neither team able to pull away decisively for much of the contest. However, the Grizzlies' second unit, specifically guards Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane, proved to be the difference-makers. Their combined 42 points, including several crucial three-pointers, shattered Oklahoma City's defensive strategy and effectively ended their cold streak from beyond the arc.

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Jones and Bane Ignite the Grizzlies' Offense

Jones, in particular, orchestrated the Grizzlies' offense with precision, tallying 22 points and showcasing his exceptional court vision. His ability to penetrate the lane and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates kept the Thunder defense constantly on its heels. Bane, meanwhile, provided consistent outside shooting, hitting key three-pointers that stretched the Thunder's defense and opened up driving lanes for Ja Morant and other Grizzlies players.

"Tyus and Desmond were phenomenal tonight," Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins stated in the post-game press conference. "Their energy and efficiency off the bench were exactly what we needed to overcome a tough OKC team." He also highlighted the importance of their contribution in breaking Oklahoma City's defensive intensity.

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Thunder's Three-Point Woes Continue... Then End

The Oklahoma City Thunder struggled mightily from three-point range throughout the series, entering Game 5 with a significantly low shooting percentage. This trend continued for a majority of the game, seemingly putting them on the path to another defeat. However, a late surge of three-pointers from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, while not enough to secure the win, finally broke the prolonged drought, offering a glimmer of hope for the Thunder heading into Game 6.

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Turning Point: The Fourth Quarter Surge

The turning point in the game arguably came in the fourth quarter. With the score tightly contested, Jones and Bane orchestrated a decisive run, hitting several key shots and forcing turnovers. This period exemplified the Grizzlies' ability to leverage their bench strength for crucial moments in a closely fought contest. The consistent pressure applied by the Memphis reserves proved too much for the Thunder to overcome, ultimately securing the victory for the Grizzlies.

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What's Next?

The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 6, where the Thunder will need to significantly improve their three-point shooting and defensive strategies to stay alive. The Grizzlies, however, will rely on their deep bench and the continued excellence of their star players to maintain their momentum and close out the series. This will likely be a high-stakes battle, as both teams will fight tooth and nail to avoid elimination. Will the Thunder find their three-point shot and regain their momentum? Or will the Grizzlies' bench continue to dominate, propelling them to the next round? Only time will tell.

Keywords: Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA Playoffs, Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Game 5, Three-Point Shooting, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, NBA, Basketball, Playoffs, Series Lead, Upset, Underdog, Clutch Performance.