In a heart-stopping finish, the Oklahoma City Thunder escaped Memphis with a narrow 117-116 victory over the Grizzlies in an NBA regular season game on Saturday, January 10, 2026 (Philippine Time). The league-leading Thunder secured the road win thanks to a decisive defensive play by guard Alex Caruso in the game's final moments.
Clutch Plays Decide the Outcome
The game was a nail-biter until the final buzzer. With the Thunder clinging to a 115-114 lead and only seconds remaining, Memphis's Cedri Coward attempted a potential game-winning 14-foot shot. Thunder guard Alex Caruso rose to the occasion, cleanly blocking the attempt to preserve Oklahoma City's slim advantage and effectively seal the victory. Earlier, Kenrich Williams had hit a crucial three-pointer to put the Thunder ahead with just 1:07 left on the clock, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
Key Performances Amidst Injuries
Both teams were severely hampered by injuries to key players. The Thunder, the defending NBA champions, were without reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Cason Wallace. Memphis continued to await the return of their star guard Ja Morant, sidelined with a right calf contusion, and rotation player Zach Edey (left ankle stress).
Despite the absences, players stepped up. For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams led the scoring with 26 points. He was supported by Kenrich Williams with 21 points, Ajay Mitchell with 23 points, and Aaron Wiggins who contributed 16 points. For the struggling Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. posted 23 points and 7 rebounds, while GG Jackson added 18 points and Santi Aldama chipped in 15.
Standings and Streak Implications
This victory was significant for the Thunder's season narrative. It extended their dominant winning streak against the Grizzlies to 16 consecutive games, a run that includes a first-round playoff sweep from the previous season. More importantly, the win improved the Thunder's league-best record to an impressive 32 wins and 7 losses. The loss dropped the Memphis Grizzlies to a 16-22 record for the season.
The game highlighted the depth of the Oklahoma City roster, as bench players made critical contributions to overcome the absence of multiple starters. This resilience continues to be a hallmark of their campaign as they maintain their position at the top of the NBA.
