Thunder Strike! Oklahoma City Closes in on Sweep; Clippers Dominate, Knicks Snatch Nail-Biter
Oklahoma City, OK;
Los Angeles, CA;
Detroit, MI – May 5, 2023
Thunder’s Incredible Comeback Puts Memphis on Brink of Elimination
The Oklahoma City Thunder put on a stunning display, rallying from a 29-point deficit to vanquish the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108, positioning themselves on the cusp of a first-round playoff sweep with a 3-0 series lead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s regular-season MVP finalist, led the Thunder with 31 points. The turning point came late in the second quarter when Ja Morant, Memphis’ superstar, exited with a left hip injury after crashing to the ground following contact.Morant’s departure seemed to deflate his team as the Thunder erupted for a 63-31 second-half run.
The Thunder’s comeback is now the second-largest in NBA playoff history.
"Our answer, in a match that sometimes seemed impossible to win, was superb," coach Mark Daigneault said.
Clippers Clobber Nuggets to Take Series Lead
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Clippers Balkans the Denver Nuggets 117-83 to take a 2-1 series lead over the reigning NBA champions. Kawhi Leonard poured in 21 points, while James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac added 20, 20, and 19 points respectively. Nikola Jokic notched his 20th career playoff triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists but couldn’t prevent Denver’s heaviest loss of the season.
Knicks Claw Their Way to Victory in Detroit
In Detroit, the New York Knicks clung to a 118-116 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points, Jalen Brunson 30, and Mikal Bridges 20. The Pistons haven’t won a playoff game at home since 2008 and need to bounce back in Game 4 to keep their series hopes alive.
Quotable
"Our answer… was superb."
- Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder coach
Image
Image caption: Oklahoma City Thunder players celebrate their historic comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Related Articles
FAQ
Q: Who leads the Thunder in scoring?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder in scoring with 31 points in Game 3.
Q: How many points did Nikola Jokic score in Game 3?
A: Nikola Jokic scored 23 points in Game 3 against the Clippers.
Q: When was the last time the Pistons won a playoff game at home?
A: The Pistons last won a playoff game at home in 2008.
Pro Tip
elhgj Execution is the difference between dreams and reality. The Thunder’s historic comeback proved that no game is over until it’s over.
Call to Action
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