Opinion
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Will the Memphis Grizzlies Tame the Thunder at Paycom Center?

As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of challenging games. The upcoming clash on March 10th is more than just another game; it's a chance for redemption and perhaps, a turning point in what has been a tough season.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 18:  David Roddy #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 18, 2023 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Grizzlies' performance has been less than stellar lately, with their record standing at 20 wins and 38 losses after their last game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 27th. That night, they were outscored by a significant margin, finishing with only 86 points compared to the Nets' commanding 111. The statistics from that game paint a grim picture: while MEM managed to draw more fouls (24), their field goal percentage was just 39 percent and they turned over the ball an alarming 15 times.


However, not all hope is lost for MEM fans. Looking back at their February 16th encounter with Milwaukee Bucks – one of the stronger teams this season – there's evidence that when firing on all cylinders, MEM can pull off an upset. They secured a narrow victory with an impressive scoreline of 113-110. Their offensive rating was strong that night (112 points per possession), and they shot efficiently from beyond the arc (50 percent). This shows that when they minimize turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks as they did against MIL (71 percent success rate), MEM can be formidable opponents.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 18:  Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 18, 2023 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Against OKC, it will be crucial for MEM to replicate this high-energy performance. They'll need to focus on improving their assists-to-turnover ratio which stood at only 1.14 in their last outing against BKN but was much improved at nearly double that figure (2.17) during their win over LAC earlier in February.


The Thunder will not make it easy though; OKC has shown resilience throughout this season and will have home-court advantage come game day. However, if MEM can channel some of its sporadic brilliance seen in previous games into consistent execution on both ends of the floor – particularly by enhancing its field goal percentage and controlling possession – there might just be cause for optimism among Grizzly supporters.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 18: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the shot of Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Paycom Center on December 18, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

As March Madness approaches, every game becomes critical for teams like Memphis who are looking to build momentum heading into next season or possibly clawing back into playoff contention.


Fans eager to witness whether Memphis can turn things around should mark their calendars for March 10th at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City where tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM local time (-5:00 GMT). The action will be broadcasted live on BSOK as well as BSSE networks.

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