Damichael Cole

2 days ago | commercialappeal.com | Damichael Cole

OKLAHOMA CITY — With each turnover, transition score and offensive rebound, the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed to snatch any hope the Memphis Grizzlies had of turning the tide in Game 2 on April 22. The margin of error is small against the No.1 team in the NBA, and Memphis is making too many mistakes to win. The next game is a must-win, but the ways of getting that result are slim. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points, but he shot 10-for-29 from the field.

2 days ago | usatoday.com | Damichael Cole

OKLAHOMA CITY — With each turnover, transition score and offensive rebound, the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed to snatch any hope the Memphis Grizzlies had of turning the tide in Game 2 on April 22. The margin of error is small against the No.1 team in the NBA, and Memphis is making too many mistakes to win. Turnovers hurt Memphis again in a 118-99 loss against the Thunder at Paycom Center. OKC now leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.

2 days ago | commercialappeal.com | Damichael Cole

They were right. The Grizzlies looked improved, playing with more offensive urgency and showing more signs of life. However, that still wasn't enough against the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City jumped out early on Memphis and managed to keep the Grizzlies from getting too close. After Memphis got OKC's lead down to 10 late in the third quarter, the Thunder responded with a 10-0 run that carried into fourth. Memphis fell 118-99 in Game 2 at Paycom Center. Need a break?

2 days ago | usatoday.com | Damichael Cole

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Memphis Grizzlies declared that a better version of the team would take the floor on April 22 for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were right. They looked improved, playing with more offensive urgency and showing more signs of life. However, that still wasn't enough against the top-seeded Thunder, who jumped out early and managed to keep the Grizzlies from getting too close.

2 days ago | commercialappeal.com | Damichael Cole

A coin flip was needed to settle the score. However, that pick won’t be coming to Memphis. The Grizzlies traded their 2025 first-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards in a deal that brought Marvin Bagley III to Memphis. Marcus Smart was also sent to Washington in the trade. Memphis made the selection lottery protected, meaning the Grizzlies would have been able to keep the pick if they missed the playoffs.