The Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder match player stats have become a trending search in recent weeks, especially after the two teams clashed twice in March 2024. With both teams undergoing transitions — the Grizzlies facing injury woes and OKC leaning into a young core — these matchups not only provided fast-paced action but also served as a lens to evaluate player growth, team strategies, and playoff potential.
This article dives deep into everything fans and analysts want to know: from individual player statistics, team comparisons, to how the rivalry has evolved over the years. Whether you’re a fantasy league manager, a sports blogger, or a die-hard fan, this guide simplifies complex stats into easy, digestible insights — without sacrificing depth.
“Stats don’t lie, but interpretation is key. That’s where this article comes in — to help you understand the Grizzlies vs Thunder player stats beyond the box score.”
Let’s begin by looking at how each team performed across the current season and what factors shaped their matchups.
| Detail | Memphis Grizzlies | OKC Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Best Scorer (Last Match) | Desmond Bane – 22 PTS | Jalen Williams – 23 PTS |
| 2024–25 Star Player | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Season Series Score | 0 Wins | 2 Wins |
| Last Meeting Date | March 16, 2024 | March 16, 2024 |
Table of Contents
Season Overview: Grizzlies and Thunder Performance
The 2024–25 NBA season has seen two contrasting stories unfold for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Grizzlies, unfortunately, were plagued with injury setbacks early on. Star guard Ja Morant missed significant time due to suspension and injury, while key contributors like Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke were sidelined long-term. These absences forced younger players into larger roles, and although some, like GG Jackson, showed promise, the lack of consistency hurt Memphis in the standings.
In contrast, the OKC Thunder emerged as one of the Western Conference’s most exciting young teams. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC blended veteran poise with youthful energy. The addition of Chet Holmgren, returning after missing his rookie year, added interior presence and spacing. Their offensive schemes, built on pace, spacing, and playmaking, led them to multiple wins over top-seeded teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder showed remarkable synergy and statistical improvement, especially in transition defense and three-point shooting.
Both teams’ season narratives influenced the nature of their matchups. The Grizzlies were often outmatched due to rotations affected by injuries, while the Thunder continued building cohesion with their primary lineup intact.
Head-to-Head Matchups: Game-by-Game Analysis
The Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder match player stats from their two regular season matchups in March 2024 tell an interesting story. Below is a summary of each game:
🏀 Game 1: March 10, 2024
Final Score: Thunder 124 – Grizzlies 93
The Thunder dominated from start to finish. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points in three quarters, while Chet Holmgren added 17 points and 9 rebounds. Memphis’ only bright spot was GG Jackson, who posted a career-high 30 points in his first start. However, the Grizzlies shot only 39% from the field and committed 18 turnovers.
🏀 Game 2: March 16, 2024
Final Score: Thunder 118 – Grizzlies 112
A much closer contest. Jalen Williams led OKC with 23 points and delivered crucial plays in the final minute, including a block and assist. Desmond Bane returned for Memphis, putting up 22 points and 7 assists. Despite the competitive spirit, the Grizzlies couldn’t close out the game due to late-game execution issues.
These matchups showed that OKC’s consistency and player health gave them the upper hand, while the Grizzlies fought hard but lacked closing power due to limited depth.
Player Performance Highlights
🔹 Memphis Grizzlies Standouts:
- Desmond Bane returned from injury and immediately made an impact with a 22-point, 7-assist performance.
- GG Jackson, a rookie, impressed in both games, especially the first where he dropped 30 points, showcasing his shooting and shot-creation ability.
- Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, contributed with blocks, rebounds, and solid post play, but struggled with fouls.
🔹 Oklahoma City Thunder Highlights:
- Jalen Williams stepped up big time in the second game, notching 23 points, 7 rebounds, and game-winning plays.
- Chet Holmgren provided balanced scoring and elite rim protection, validating his value in OKC’s defensive schemes.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although playing limited minutes, remained efficient, with 43 total points across both games and a strong +/- rating.
Case Study:
In the March 10 matchup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted a +27 plus-minus rating in just 25 minutes — a mark of how influential he is to team performance even in limited time.
Statistical Leaders: Top Performers in Key Categories
| Category | Grizzlies Leader | Thunder Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | GG Jackson – 24.5 | Jalen Williams – 23.0 |
| Rebounds per Game | Jaren Jackson Jr. – 8.0 | Chet Holmgren – 10.0 |
| Assists per Game | Desmond Bane – 7.0 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 6.5 |
| Blocks per Game | Jackson Jr. – 2.5 | Holmgren – 2.0 |
| 3PT % (Min 5 attempts) | GG Jackson – 42% | Isaiah Joe – 44% |
These stats reflect individual brilliance and team roles. While GG Jackson excelled as a scorer under pressure, OKC’s spread-out offense allowed multiple players to shine.
Comparative Analysis: Grizzlies vs Thunder Player Stats
Analyzing the Grizzlies vs Thunder match player stats side-by-side reveals deeper insights:
- Efficiency: OKC outshot Memphis in both games — 50% vs 39% and 47% vs 44% respectively.
- Ball Movement: Thunder had more assists per game (25.5 vs 18.0), showing better offensive rhythm.
- Bench Impact: OKC’s bench, led by Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe, contributed 38 points in Game 1, while Memphis’ bench had just 22.
| Stat | Grizzlies (Avg) | Thunder (Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 41.5% | 48.5% |
| Assists per Game | 18.0 | 25.5 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 11 |
| Bench Points | 24 | 36 |
This comparison highlights how OKC’s bench depth and efficient offense played a huge role in both wins.
Historical Context: Evolution of the Rivalry
Historically, the Grizzlies and Thunder have faced off multiple times in both the regular season and playoffs. Their most iconic clash was during the 2011 Western Conference Semifinals, a thrilling 7-game series won by OKC, led then by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
In recent years, both teams have entered rebuild phases. The Grizzlies surged first with the rise of Ja Morant, while the Thunder patiently built around draft capital and internal development. This recent set of matchups reflects the new wave of the rivalry, defined not by Durant vs Randolph but by Gilgeous-Alexander vs Jackson Jr.
With both squads loaded with young talent and improving rapidly, expect future encounters to carry more playoff implications and highlight-worthy moments.
Conclusion: Insights and Takeaways
The Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder player stats from this season underscore a clear narrative — OKC is rising fast, with deep contributions and smart execution, while Memphis is fighting adversity and experimenting with its next generation.
Key takeaways include:
- Thunder’s balance and depth are major assets.
- GG Jackson could be a breakout star for Memphis.
- Injuries changed the course of the Grizzlies’ season.
- OKC’s playstyle favors pace, shooting, and collective defense.
As both teams continue evolving, future matchups could turn into must-watch TV, especially if they meet in postseason battles again.
Read: la clippers vs new orleans pelicans timelineQuick FAQs
1. Who scored the most points in Grizzlies vs OKC games?
GG Jackson scored 30 points in the March 10, 2024 game — the highest individual performance.
2. What is the win record between Grizzlies and Thunder this season?
The Thunder won both matchups, going 2–0 against the Grizzlies.
3. Which Thunder player stood out the most?
Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the most impactful, combining for over 40 points in both games.
4. Did Ja Morant play in these matchups?
No, Ja Morant missed both games due to injury recovery and suspension.
5. Who had better bench performance?
OKC’s bench outscored Memphis in both games, contributing more consistently.