Oklahoma City Thunder avenge ugly Dec. loss by downing the Memphis Grizzlies 103-95

Boxscore

The Oklahoma City Thunder avenged an earlier blowout defeat by downing the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 103-95.

Russell Westbrook recorded triple-double #18 on the year with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Westbrook has now matched his 2016 triple-double output through 40 contests.

For the Thunder, Enes Kanter (19 points, 13 rebounds) Victor Oladipo (16), Steven Adams (12), and Jerami Grant (10) each joined Westbrook in double-figure scoring. Kanter was especially impressive in logging his third double-double in four contests.

As a team, Oklahoma City dominated Memphis in both fast-break points (27-9) and free-throws made (23-12). Overall, the Thunder appeared confident and driven while redeeming a 114-80 Dec. 29 thrashing at the hands of Memphis.

The Grizzlies were led by Mike Conley’s 22 points. Memphis’ reserves again proffered a strong performance, as bench All-Star Zach Randolph contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, 39-year-old elder-statesman Vince Carter (11) continued his surprisingly effective play this season, in a losing cause.

Another key cog in Oklahoma City’s success was the team’s activity and hustle within the painted area. Fiesty OKC outrebounded Memphis 52-39, while limiting a usually potent Marc Gasol to just nine points on 4-of-12 shooting.

With the victory, Oklahoma City (24-16) has won three-consecutive contests. Memphis (24-17) is now 5-5 in its last ten outings.

The Thunder next take the court Friday night vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-26). Oklahoma City holds a 2-0 advantage over the young Wolves this season.