The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the way to a sweep after taking down the Memphis Grizzlies in front of their home fans. Casual hoops fans who don’t regularly follow the league would think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company are easily cruising past Ja Morant’s squad.
However, those who watched the game would know that the complexion of the series would have been different. Much to Mike Daigneault’s fears, the Grizzlies were a completely different beast playing in front of their home fans. Some would argue the series would have been 2-1 if it weren’t for Ja Morant leaving the game early.
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While Thunder fans are happy that the team managed to get away with a win, the MVP favorite talked about what kept the team going despite the ditch they found themselves in the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s motivation to help them win Game 3
The 26-year-old superstar fielded questions, focusing on the incredible 29-point comeback in their 114-108 victory. He explained that everyone on the roster trusted their abilities to get the win regardless of the situation.
Per Fadeaway World’s Siddhant Gupta:
“We just knew that the only way we were going to give ourselves a chance was by sticking together, getting stops, playing fast, and just plugging away at it [the lead] possession by possession.”
“We know how they built a 29-point lead at the half. So we knew all we had to do was build our own 29-point lead. If they can build it, we can erase it. That’s how we see it, and that’s what we did, we started plugging away at it.”
Shai had a solid second half in the team’s comeback, leading with 13 points, two boards, and four assists. However, Chet Holmgren’s 23 points were the most vital factor in their win. The two will be expected to lead the Thunder and close out the series.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant had 15 points in 15 minutes before sitting out for the remainder of the game. Scotty Pippen Jr. took over the scoring with his 28 points.
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