Memphis Grizzlies' Reserves Shine, Ending Thunder's Cold Shooting Streak In Crucial Game 5 Win

Michael

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Post on Jun 23, 2025

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Memphis Grizzlies' Reserves Shine, Ending Thunder's Cold Shooting Streak in Crucial Game 5 Win

The Memphis Grizzlies staved off elimination Wednesday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-108 in a crucial Game 5 victory. While Ja Morant's performance was impactful, it was the Grizzlies' bench that truly stole the show, exploiting the Thunder's continued shooting woes and delivering a much-needed spark to keep their playoff hopes alive. This win shifts the series back to Memphis, tying it 3-2, setting up a thrilling showdown for the ages.

Bench Mob Dominates: A Turning Point in the Series?

The Grizzlies' second unit outscored Oklahoma City's reserves by a significant margin, showcasing the depth that has often been a defining characteristic of Memphis' success. Players like Tyus Jones, who scored 19 points, and Xavier Tillman, who contributed a crucial double-double, proved instrumental in breaking the Thunder's momentum. Their energy and efficiency provided a stark contrast to the Thunder's struggles from beyond the arc. This performance highlighted the importance of a strong bench in high-stakes playoff basketball.

• Tyus Jones's Impact: Jones's consistent scoring and playmaking ability proved invaluable. He stepped up when Morant needed a breather, maintaining the offensive flow and providing clutch baskets down the stretch. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the NBA's most reliable backup point guards.
• Tillman's Dominance: Tillman’s double-double showcased his versatility and tenacity. His rebounds and defensive contributions proved crucial in controlling the pace of the game, a stark contrast to the Thunder's struggles on the boards. This performance showcases the value of a strong, versatile big man.
• The Bench's Overall Contribution: The collective effort of the Memphis bench was the true story of the game. Their combined scoring, rebounding, and defensive intensity were instrumental in overcoming the Thunder's defensive efforts and securing the victory.

Thunder's Shooting Woes Continue: A Recipe for Defeat?

Oklahoma City's struggles from three-point range continued to plague them in Game 5. Despite strong individual performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, the Thunder's overall shooting percentage remained disappointingly low. Their inability to consistently convert from beyond the arc allowed the Grizzlies to maintain a comfortable lead for significant stretches of the game. This persistent issue is a major concern heading into Game 6.

What's Next for Both Teams?

The series now heads back to Memphis for a pivotal Game 6. The Grizzlies will look to build on their Game 5 momentum, relying once again on the contributions from their bench and the consistent scoring of Ja Morant. The Thunder, however, will need to find a solution to their shooting woes and improve their overall efficiency if they hope to avoid elimination. Can they find the adjustments necessary to overcome their current struggles and even the series?

Looking Ahead: Key Factors for Game 6

• Three-Point Shooting: Oklahoma City must find a way to improve their three-point percentage. This will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of Game 6.
• Bench Production: The Grizzlies’ bench proved invaluable in Game 5. Maintaining this level of performance will be key to their success in Game 6.
• Defensive Intensity: Both teams will need to maintain a high level of defensive intensity to control the pace and momentum of the game.

The Memphis Grizzlies' Game 5 victory was a testament to their depth and resilience. The series is far from over, but the Grizzlies have reignited their playoff hopes, making for a captivating and unpredictable series finale. The question remains: can the Thunder overcome their shooting struggles and force a Game 7? Only time will tell.