After jumping out to an explosive 18-point lead behind seven early 3-pointers, OKC’s offense went cold for the rest of the game. Memphis took advantage to push ahead in the final three quarters picked up their first win inside the NBA’s restart in Orlando.
Against the number one team in the NBA in points in the paint, the Thunder’s challenge on Friday was to protect the lane without the presence of Steven Adams (leg contusion) and Mike Muscala (concussion protocol) at the basket. This set the stage for a unique challenge for the Thunder’s defense and a test of its next-man-up mentality.