Ajay Mitchell’s 35-point eruption powers Thunder’s 31-point Memphis rout

Oklahoma City overwhelmed Memphis 128-97 on Friday, opening a 35-28 lead after one quarter and stretching it to 71-49 by halftime. The Grizzlies matched the Thunder’s 27 points in the third, but Oklahoma City closed with a 30-21 fourth to seal the 31-point win. Ajay Mitchell led the charge with 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three, plus five assists, one rebound, no steals or blocks, and two turnovers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting and 3-of-5 from deep, with three rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and four turnovers. Jared McCain supplied 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-8 from three, while adding five rebounds, four steals, one block, no assists, and one turnover. Ty Jerome paced Memphis with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting and 2-of-7 from three, alongside two rebounds, five assists, no steals or blocks, and three turnovers. Oklahoma City’s 35-point first half and 31-point finish overwhelmed Memphis despite Jerome’s scoring and Cedric Coward’s nine rebounds.