OKC Thunder Strikes Daily

December 23, 2025 • Sports

Hosted by Big Dill

About This Episode

Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want to hear daily OKC Thunder news. If they played a game then give me the highlights.

Transcript

Welcome to "OKC Thunder Strikes Daily," brought to you by Big Dill Sports. I'm Dillon, your host, here to break down all things Oklahoma City Thunder. What a game last night, folks! The Thunder bounced back from a couple of recent losses, taking down the Memphis Grizzlies with an impressive 119–103 victory at Paycom Center.

Oklahoma City not only boasts a league-best 26–3 record but also maintains their stronghold in the Northwest Division and Western Conference. It was a tough night for the Grizzlies, missing key players like Ja Morant and Zach Edey due to injuries. Still, the Thunder's performance was nothing short of spectacular.

Let’s talk highlights. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire again, scoring 31 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and snatching four steals. This marks his 100th consecutive game with at least 20 points—an incredible streak second only to Wilt Chamberlain. His precision on the court was a thing of beauty, shooting 55% from the field, 75% from three, and a perfect 100% from the line.

But it wasn’t just Shai making waves. Jalen Williams stepped up with 24 points and six rebounds, showcasing his knack for finding the net. Meanwhile, rookie Ajay Mitchell added 16 points before exiting with a minor injury. Luguentz Dort and Branden Carlson also contributed significantly, proving once again that this team’s depth is something special.

Now, let's look at some team stats. OKC dominated the boards, moved the ball brilliantly with 20 assists, and forced 21 turnovers. A shooting clip of 49% from the field and 86% from the free-throw line kept them ahead, despite a modest 38% from deep. You’ve got to love that hustle.

Pivotal moments defined this game. The Thunder took control in the second quarter with a 36–26 run, thanks to key plays like Jalen Williams’ thunderous dunk and a deep three from Lu Dort. Every time Memphis tried to close the gap, OKC swung back with dominant plays, including a thrilling stretch to keep the Grizzlies at bay in the fourth.

Oklahoma City’s defense is worth noting, leading the league with a rating of 103.2, significantly ahead of its closest competitors. Their unbelievable +16.1 average margin of victory speaks volumes about this squad's might and skill. With their strong start this season, the Thunder are setting records and turning heads across the league.

Looking ahead, the Thunder face a challenging back-to-back road trip, with matchups against the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. It’ll be exciting to see how they continue to leverage their momentum.

Before we wrap, it’s time to name our 'big dill' of the game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His performance? Absolutely stellar. With 100 consecutive 20-point games, he’s proving just why he’s key to the Thunder's success.

That’s all for today’s episode of "OKC Thunder Strikes Daily." I’m Dillon from Big Dill Sports, signing off and reminding you to keep an eye on this electrifying Thunder team. Until next time, keep cheering, and let’s hope the wins keep rolling in!

## Game Summary
On Monday night at Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded from two losses in their previous three outings by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 119–103. The victory improved OKC’s league-best record to 26–3 (14–1 at home) and kept them atop the Northwest Division and the Western Conference standings ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). The Grizzlies, playing without stars Ja Morant (ankle) and Zach Edey (ankle), fell to 13–16 on the season ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)).

## Shai’s Milestone and Star Performance
Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered yet another historic evening, pouring in 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting, while adding 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals in 36 minutes. It marked SGA’s 100th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points, extending the second-longest streak in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). His efficiency was on full display, as he shot 55% from the field (11-20 FG), 75% from three (3-4 3PT) and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line (6-6 FT) ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401810261)).

## Supporting Cast Steps Up
Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams provided a crucial lift with 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting, six rebounds and two steals in his 34 minutes of action. Rookie Ajay Mitchell chipped in 16 points, going 5-of-9 from the field and 5-6 at the line, before exiting midway through the fourth due to a minor injury ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). Luguentz Dort contributed 13 points, grabbing four boards and swiping three steals, while guard Branden Carlson added 11 points—including three from beyond the arc—and three rebounds ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401810261)).

## Detailed Team Statistics
Oklahoma City dominated on the glass early, outrebounding Memphis 46–46 overall, including a 37–36 advantage on the defensive boards. The Thunder moved the ball effectively for 20 assists, forced 21 Grizzlies turnovers and generated 14 steals ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401810261)). OKC shot a sterling 49% from the field (46-94 FG) and 86% from the free-throw line (12-14 FT), offsetting a modest 38% mark from deep (15-39 3PT) ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401810261)). Meanwhile, Memphis hit 44% of their triples (18-41 3PT) but struggled overall, shooting 41% from the floor and converting just 74% of their foul shots ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401810261)).

## Pivotal Moments
The Thunder seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies 36–26 to build a 67–54 lead at the half. Key to that rally were a thunderous dunk by Jalen Williams, a deep three from Lu Dort and a crafty layup by Gilgeous-Alexander—catalyzed by three consecutive Memphis turnovers courtesy of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope miscues ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). After Memphis trimmed the deficit to 84–71 late in the third, OKC answered with a 12-4 spurt highlighted by a corner three from Mitchell and a Williams dunk over Christian Koloko, extending the cushion to 93–75 early in the fourth ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). A Grizzlies push closed the gap to 101–97, but Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a pulling-up three and an assist to Carlson, effectively icing the contest.

## Season Context and Standings
The win cemented Oklahoma City’s position as the NBA’s best team by record (26–3) and underscored their suffocating defense: the Thunder boast the league’s top-rated defense at a 103.2 DefRtg, a full 6.5 points better than the next-closest unit ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-dec-22-2025?utm_source=openai)). Their +16.1 average margin of victory is on pace to shatter franchise and league records, building on a historic start that once reached 24–1 before a close loss to San Antonio on December 13 ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-dec-22-2025?utm_source=openai)).

## Looking Ahead
Next up for the Thunder is a challenging back-to-back road trip: they visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night before heading to Utah to face the Jazz the following evening ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401810261)). With Gilgeous-Alexander firing on all cylinders and a deep supporting cast stepping up, Oklahoma City looks poised to extend its dominance as the calendar turns toward the New Year.

OKC Thunder Strikes Daily