NBA: Thunder Stun Grizzlies in Game 3 with Historic 26-Point Comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off one of the most astonishing playoff comebacks in NBA history. Their commanding 3-0 series lead happened this evening, rallying from a 29-point first-half deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies. OKC ruled the FedExForum court with 114–108 points in Game 3 as part of their Western Conference first-round series. Their win places the Memphis Grizzlies on the brink of elimination. Making matters worse for Memphis, Ja Morant suffered an injury late in the second quarter and did not return.

The game began with a dominant performance from the Memphis Grizzlies, who looked unstoppable through the first 24 minutes. They surged ahead early, riding the hot hand of Scotty Pippen Jr., who scored 23 of his 28 points before halftime. Pippen was lights out from beyond the arc, connecting on 5-of-6 attempts. He also helped fuel the Grizzlies to a massive 29-point lead at 69–40 with just over three minutes left in the second quarter.

Ja Morant added 15 points and five assists in only 15 minutes before disaster struck. With 3:14 left in the second quarter, Morant went up for a fastbreak layup but was undercut by Luguentz Dort and fell hard on his left side. He was clearly in pain but returned briefly to shoot. Despite getting the chance, he missed two free throws before heading to the locker room.

The team later announced that Morant sustained a left hip contusion and would be evaluated further on Friday. Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo acknowledged the strong first-half effort, saying the team executed well but needed to maintain focus against a gritty Thunder squad.

At halftime, the Grizzlies held a comfortable 77–51 lead. They shot 57.4% from the field and committed only three turnovers. At that point, few could have predicted what came next.

The Thunder came out of the locker room with renewed energy, fueled by substantial adjustments from head coach Mark Daigneault. He opened the third quarter with a set play for Chet Holmgren, who had been scoreless from the field in the first half. Holmgren answered by draining a three-pointer and never looked back. He finished with 24 points, 23 of which came in the second half. Those points that he achieved include four three-pointers during a pivotal 25–9 run that changed the momentum entirely.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander again led the charge for OKC, finishing with 31 points. His calm leadership helped steady the team when they needed it most. Jalen Williams chipped in 26 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 1:20 remaining to put OKC ahead 109–108. Alex Caruso provided veteran savvy and defensive intensity, notching all four steals in the second half and scoring a crucial breakaway layup with just 19.4 seconds left.

Defensively, the Thunder were spectacular in the final 24 minutes. They limited the Grizzlies to just 31 points on 9-of-36 shooting, including a miserable 3-of-20 from deep. They also forced 13 turnovers, which are more than the number of field goals Memphis managed in the second half. The pressure and discipline that OKC displayed showcased their growth and determination.

The significance of this comeback cannot be overstated. It was the second-largest playoff comeback since at least the 1997–98 season and the biggest second-half comeback in NBA postseason history. Ironically, Gilgeous-Alexander was part of the Los Angeles Clippers team that pulled off the only bigger comeback, overturning a 31-point deficit against the Warriors in 2019.

For Memphis, the absence of Ja Morant loomed large in the second half. Without their floor general, the Grizzlies struggled to find rhythm or leadership. They were outscored 63–31 after the break, and their offense became stagnant. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding. When asked about Morant’s condition, Coach Iisalo said, “He’s being evaluated, and then we’ll know more.”

Now, the Grizzlies face the daunting task of avoiding a sweep without their superstar point guard. The “OKC vs Memphis” series has tilted sharply in favor of the Thunder, who have looked sharper and more cohesive with each game. While their matchup was expected to be competitive, the depth, resilience, and coaching of the OKC Thunder have overwhelmed Memphis so far.

As the series heads into Game 4, all eyes will be on Ja Morant’s injury status. If he remains sidelined, the challenge becomes even steeper for the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder will look to capitalize on their momentum and close out the series.

This showdown has delivered some incredible drama, but the Thunder’s historic comeback will be remembered. It was a masterclass in resilience and execution, and it might just be the moment that defines this young Thunder team’s playoff run.