OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats from January 9, 2026, tell the story of one of the most dramatic comebacks in the 2025–26 NBA season. Oklahoma City rallied from a 21-point second-half deficit to beat Memphis 117–116 at FedExForum.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points while Kenrich Williams hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just over a minute left.
Jaren Jackson Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams played shorthanded, making the final scoreline even more stunning.
Game Overview: OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats
The game was played on January 9, 2026, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Memphis Grizzlies 116. It was a one-point thriller that ended with the Thunder extending their winning streak against Memphis to 16 straight games.
Memphis led by as many as 21 points in the second half. Oklahoma City’s stunning third-quarter surge and clutch fourth-quarter execution turned the game completely around.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score Breakdown
Here is a full look at how scoring unfolded inning by inning in the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match.
| Quarter | OKC Thunder | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | — | — |
| Q2 | — | — |
| H1 | 46 | 60 |
| Q3 | 35 | 34 |
| Q4 | 36 | 22 |
| Final | 117 | 116 |
Memphis dominated the first half and led 60–46 at halftime. Oklahoma City turned it around completely in the second half, outscoring Memphis 71–56 over the final two quarters.
The Thunder shot 61% in the third quarter alone — a statistic that captures exactly where momentum shifted in this game.
Team Stats Comparison: OKC vs MEM
A direct side-by-side look at all major team statistics from the January 9 matchup.
Team Shooting & Efficiency
| Stat | OKC Thunder | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 43-91 | 41-88 |
| FG% | 47% | 47% |
| Three Pointers | 9-37 | 14-41 |
| 3PT% | 24% | 34% |
| Free Throws | 22-28 | 20-24 |
| FT% | 79% | 83% |
| Rebounds | 36 | 52 |
| Assists | — | 11 (C. Spencer) |
| Turnovers | 6 | 17 |
| Largest Lead | 5 | 21 |
| % of Game Led | 8% | 89% |
The Grizzlies dominated the glass with 52 rebounds to OKC’s 36 and shot better from three. But Memphis handed the Thunder 17 turnovers compared to just 6 for OKC — that 11-turnover differential was the decisive factor in the final result.
OKC Thunder Player Stats: Full Individual Breakdown
Oklahoma City Thunder Key Performers
Jalen Williams — 26 Points
Jalen Williams was the Thunder’s offensive engine and led all scorers in the game with 26 points. He hit big shots under pressure and took over in the fourth quarter to help close the gap.
Williams was efficient throughout, using mid-range pull-ups and drives to the rim. His poise in the final minutes was the difference.
Kenrich Williams — 21 Points, Clutch 3-Pointer
Kenrich Williams delivered the most important shot of the game. His go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining gave OKC a lead they would not give back.
He finished with 21 points off the bench — an extraordinary performance in a game where Memphis had dominated the first half. His three was the defining moment of the entire contest.
Ajay Mitchell — 23 Points
Ajay Mitchell was the third member of OKC’s triumphant trio with 23 points. His scoring punch helped the Thunder sustain their second-half comeback and apply relentless pressure on the Grizzlies defense.
Mitchell showed impressive playmaking and shot creation throughout, making himself one of the standout performers across both rosters.
Aaron Wiggins — 16 Points
Aaron Wiggins added 16 points, providing critical depth scoring that kept OKC competitive even during their worst stretches of the game.
His ability to knock down outside shots prevented Memphis from loading up the lane against OKC’s driving players.
OKC Thunder Inactive Players
Several key Thunder players missed this game due to injury or roster management. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topić, and Cason Wallace were all listed as inactive.
This makes OKC’s comeback even more remarkable. They defeated Memphis without their MVP candidate and several rotation starters.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Stats: Full Individual Breakdown
Memphis Grizzlies Key Performers
Jaren Jackson Jr. — 23 Points, 7 Rebounds
Jaren Jackson Jr. was Memphis’s most productive player, posting 23 points and 7 rebounds. He was a constant threat from the midrange and showed his defensive versatility throughout the game.
Jackson Jr. blocked multiple shots and provided Memphis with interior dominance, but the Grizzlies’ turnover problems ultimately undermined his big performance.
GG Jackson — 18 Points
GG Jackson delivered an 18-point effort off a mix of three-pointers and aggressive drives to the rim. He was one of Memphis’s most reliable offensive options and kept the Grizzlies’ lead alive through the first three quarters.
Jackson’s scoring showed the offensive potential he carries as a young wing for Memphis’s future.
Santi Aldama — 15 Points
Santi Aldama contributed 15 points and was active as a stretch big, hitting multiple three-pointers and connecting well with Cam Spencer to create open looks in the halfcourt offense.
He was one of the few Memphis players who maintained his performance level deep into the fourth quarter.
Cam Spencer — 11 Assists
Cam Spencer’s playmaking was a major reason Memphis built such a large first-half lead. His 11 assists represent elite-level creation from the guard position and show why Memphis was able to generate efficient offense consistently.
Spencer’s passing vision created multiple open three-point looks for his teammates throughout the game.
Vince Williams Jr.
Vince Williams Jr. was a factor on both ends for Memphis, hitting three-pointers and contributing defensively. He was active in the second half, though OKC’s surge late in the game proved too much to overcome.
Memphis Grizzlies Inactive Players
Memphis was also playing shorthanded. Zach Edey (left ankle stress fracture), Ja Morant (right calf contusion), Ty Jerome, Jahmai Mashack, Scotty Pippen Jr., Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Javon Small were all inactive.
The absence of Ja Morant and Zach Edey in particular left significant holes in the Memphis lineup — especially defensively in the paint and as a primary ball handler.
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies: Head-to-Head Stats Summary
| Category | OKC Thunder | Memphis Grizzlies | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 117 | 116 | OKC |
| Field Goal % | 47% | 47% | Tie |
| 3PT% | 24% | 34% | MEM |
| FT% | 79% | 83% | MEM |
| Rebounds | 36 | 52 | MEM |
| Turnovers | 6 | 17 | OKC |
| Largest Lead | 5 | 21 | MEM |
| Time Leading | 8% | 89% | MEM |
| Result | Win | Loss | OKC |
On paper, Memphis outperformed Oklahoma City in nearly every statistical category. The one area OKC dominated — turnovers — proved to be the game-deciding factor.
The Comeback: How OKC Erased a 21-Point Deficit
Oklahoma City trailed 60–46 at halftime and the deficit grew to 21 points early in the third quarter. The situation looked dire for a shorthanded Thunder roster.
The turnaround began with OKC’s defense. Memphis’s turnover problem exploded in the second half, and the Thunder converted those giveaways into easy transition points.
Oklahoma City shot 61% in the third quarter — an elite pace that allowed them to cut the Memphis lead from 21 down to 13 by the quarter’s end. The Thunder trailed 94–81 heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to OKC. Jalen Williams drove and scored repeatedly while Memphis struggled to find reliable offense without Ja Morant directing the attack.
Kenrich Williams’s three-pointer with 1:07 remaining gave OKC the lead for the first time in the second half. Memphis could not respond in the final 67 seconds, and Oklahoma City held on for the 117–116 win.
OKC Thunder 2025–26 Season Context
Coming into this game, Oklahoma City was already the Western Conference’s top team. The Thunder’s 53–15 record going into March 2026 tells the full story — they are the NBA’s best team this season.
Winning without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein shows remarkable roster depth. The Thunder have built one of the most complete teams in the league, capable of winning with multiple different combinations of players.
OKC has now won 16 consecutive games against Memphis, including a sweep in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. That level of dominance over a single opponent in the modern NBA is highly unusual and reflects just how far the Thunder have pulled ahead of the Grizzlies in the Western Conference hierarchy.
Memphis Grizzlies 2025–26 Season Context
Memphis entered this game with a 16–22 record and was clearly going through a difficult stretch. The Grizzlies had lost six of their previous seven games heading into the OKC contest.
Ja Morant’s continued absence due to injury has been the biggest storyline for Memphis all season. Without their franchise player, the Grizzlies have struggled to close out games and execute offensively when it matters most.
The 52-rebound performance in this game shows that Memphis can compete physically and create second-chance opportunities. The 17 turnovers, however, suggest the Grizzlies need better decision-making if they want to rise in the Western Conference standings.
Memphis currently sits at 23–44, firmly outside the playoff picture. Without significant changes, this franchise is heading for a lottery pick and another rebuild cycle.
Player Performance Comparison: The Key Individuals
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Williams | OKC | 26 | — | — | Led all scorers |
| Ajay Mitchell | OKC | 23 | — | — | Key comeback contributor |
| Kenrich Williams | OKC | 21 | — | — | Go-ahead 3 with 1:07 left |
| Aaron Wiggins | OKC | 16 | — | — | Clutch depth scoring |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | MEM | 23 | 7 | — | Grizzlies’ top performer |
| GG Jackson | MEM | 18 | — | — | Key early scoring punch |
| Santi Aldama | MEM | 15 | — | — | Consistent three-point threat |
| Cam Spencer | MEM | — | — | 11 | Elite playmaking throughout |
Both top scorers — Jalen Williams and Jaren Jackson Jr. — posted identical 23–26 point performances. The difference was team execution down the stretch.
Injury Report Impact on Both Rosters
The injury situations for both teams significantly shaped how this game unfolded.
OKC without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander meant no MVP-caliber ball handler to control pace. Memphis without Ja Morant meant no elite playmaking to manage late-game pressure.
The difference was that OKC’s depth players — Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Kenrich Williams — delivered in their expanded roles. Memphis’s supporting cast was unable to close out the victory despite building a massive lead.
Zach Edey’s absence also hurt Memphis in the paint defensively. His rim protection would have made OKC’s second-half drives much more difficult.
Western Conference Standings Context
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 53 | 15 | .779 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 50 | 18 | .735 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 43 | 25 | .632 |
| Houston Rockets | 41 | 26 | .612 |
| Denver Nuggets | 41 | 27 | .603 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 41 | 27 | .603 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 23 | 44 | .343 |
The gap between OKC and Memphis in the standings is vast. Oklahoma City is the clear Western Conference top seed while Memphis is deep in the lottery tier. This game result — a Thunder win despite being outplayed statistically — shows how OKC’s clutch performance and turnover discipline separates them from the competition.
What This Game Means for OKC Going Forward
The Thunder proved they can win ugly. Even without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple other starters, OKC found a way to complete one of the more dramatic comebacks of the season.
The 6 turnover performance in particular stands out. A team that protects the ball this well is nearly impossible to beat over a full season. OKC’s turnover differential is one of the best in the league.
The fourth-quarter execution was clinical. Kenrich Williams’s three-pointer was not a lucky shot — it came at the end of a structured possession where OKC put the ball in capable hands at the crucial moment.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning to health, this version of the Thunder only gets stronger. The 53–15 record already speaks for itself.
What This Game Means for Memphis Going Forward
The Grizzlies led by 21 and still lost. That should be a wake-up call for the entire franchise about their inability to close out games without Ja Morant.
The 17 turnovers are unacceptable at any level of basketball. Against a team with OKC’s transition offense, those turnovers directly translate to easy baskets and momentum swings.
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to be Memphis’s most reliable two-way player. His 23 points and 7 rebounds in a shorthanded lineup show his ceiling is still very high.
The Grizzlies need Ja Morant back healthy. Without him, their playoff hopes for the 2025–26 season appear essentially over at 23–44.
OKC’s 16-Game Winning Streak vs Memphis Explained
Oklahoma City has now won 16 consecutive games against the Memphis Grizzlies. That includes a first-round playoff sweep in 2025.
The streak reflects the structural gap between these two franchises. OKC has better depth, better coaching, better turnover discipline, and more clutch performers. Memphis has better individual talent on paper in some positions, but OKC’s system consistently outperforms the Grizzlies’.
This head-to-head dominance is unlikely to end soon given the standings gap. OKC is building a dynasty while Memphis is in the middle of a difficult rebuilding phase without their star player healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What was the final score of the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies game on January 9, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117–116 in a dramatic comeback win at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee on January 9, 2026.
Q2. Who led the OKC Thunder in scoring against the Memphis Grizzlies?
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points, while Ajay Mitchell added 23 and Kenrich Williams contributed 21, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining.
Q3. Who was the top scorer for the Memphis Grizzlies in this game?
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 23 points and 7 rebounds. GG Jackson added 18 points and Santi Aldama contributed 15 in a losing effort for the Grizzlies.
Q4. How big was Memphis’s largest lead in the OKC vs Grizzlies game?
Memphis led by as many as 21 points in the second half before Oklahoma City staged a dramatic comeback, outscoring the Grizzlies 71–56 in the final two quarters.
Q5. Which OKC players were inactive against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 9?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topić, and Cason Wallace were all inactive for Oklahoma City in this game.
Q6. Which Memphis players were unavailable for the January 9 game vs OKC?
Ja Morant (right calf contusion), Zach Edey (left ankle stress), Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jahmai Mashack, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Javon Small were all inactive for Memphis.
Q7. How many turnovers did the Memphis Grizzlies commit against the Thunder?
Memphis committed 17 turnovers compared to just 6 for Oklahoma City — an 11-turnover differential that proved decisive in the Thunder’s comeback victory.
Q8. What was the key play that decided the OKC vs Memphis Grizzlies game?
Kenrich Williams’s go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 left gave OKC the lead they needed. Memphis was unable to respond in the final 67 seconds and the Thunder won 117–116.
Q9. How does the January 9 result affect OKC’s head-to-head record vs Memphis?
Oklahoma City extended their winning streak against Memphis to 16 consecutive games with this victory, including a sweep in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Q10. What are the current 2025–26 NBA standings for OKC and Memphis?
Oklahoma City is the Western Conference’s top team with a 53–15 record (.779). Memphis is well outside the playoff picture at 23–44 (.343) as of mid-March 2026.
Conclusion
The OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats breakdown 2026 reveals a game that defied logic on the scoreboard.
Memphis outrebounded OKC 52–36, shot better from three, and held the lead for 89% of the game. Yet Oklahoma City won because they took care of the ball and executed when it mattered most.
Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Kenrich Williams delivered in the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jaren Jackson Jr. gave everything he had for Memphis but lacked the supporting cast to seal the win.
With OKC now 53–15 and Memphis at 23–44, this result is more than a box score — it is a snapshot of two franchises moving in very different directions in the 2025–26 NBA season.
