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Jared McCain delivered another important contribution for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, scoring 21 points in a dominant 128-97 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The game was part of the NBA Cup group stage and gave Oklahoma City another emphatic result during an impressive start to the season.
The Thunder controlled the contest from the opening minutes at FedExForum, using sharp shooting, aggressive defense and relentless ball pressure to pull away. The victory extended Oklahoma City’s winning streak over Memphis to 16 games, including a four-game sweep in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
Jared McCain Provides Critical Scoring Lift
McCain’s 21-point performance helped balance an explosive night from Ajay Mitchell, who scored a career-high 35 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points, continuing to lead an Oklahoma City offense that has remained highly productive despite injuries to several key players.
McCain has become increasingly valuable in an expanded role. The young guard entered the game averaging 21.6 points over his previous five appearances, and his ability to create offense gave the Thunder another dependable option alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.
His impact went beyond the scoring column. McCain helped Oklahoma City maintain its offensive rhythm while the team moved the ball efficiently and attacked a Memphis defense that struggled to contain the Thunder’s perimeter threats.
Thunder’s Explosive Shooting Creates Early Separation
Oklahoma City shot 55% from the field and made half of its 26 three-point attempts through three quarters. During the closing minutes of the third period, the Thunder were converting at just under a 60% rate, putting constant pressure on Memphis.
The visitors also made nine of 17 three-point attempts through the first three quarters. That shooting efficiency created a substantial gap before the final period and allowed Oklahoma City to play with confidence on both ends of the floor.
- Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 35 points.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 28 points.
- Jared McCain finished with 21 points.
- Oklahoma City shot 55% overall.
- The Thunder forced 18 turnovers and turned them into 30 points.
Oklahoma City led by 25 points late in the first half. The Thunder then opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run, extending the advantage to 32 points and effectively removing any suspense from the remainder of the game.
Memphis Struggles From Long Range
The Grizzlies entered the matchup as the NBA’s leading three-point shooting team, but they could not reproduce that form against Oklahoma City. Memphis made only five of 26 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half and finished the game shooting just 22% from three-point range.
Ty Jerome led Memphis with 21 points, while Zach Edey added 14. Rookie Cameron Boozer was limited to eight points but contributed 12 rebounds as the Grizzlies tried to compete on the glass.
Memphis’ turnovers and shooting problems proved costly. The Thunder transformed 18 takeaways into 30 points, turning defensive pressure into easy scoring opportunities and preventing the Grizzlies from building any sustained momentum.
What the Win Means for Oklahoma City
The result reinforced Oklahoma City’s status as one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous teams. Even with a number of important players unavailable, the Thunder have continued to find production from their deeper rotation.
Gilgeous-Alexander had already scored 43 and 42 points in Oklahoma City’s recent victories over Cleveland. Mitchell’s career night and McCain’s steady scoring showed that the Thunder can win in multiple ways rather than relying on one player to carry the offense.
For McCain, the performance was another encouraging sign. His recent scoring surge gives Oklahoma City additional backcourt flexibility and could become especially important during a demanding NBA Cup schedule.
According to the Associated Press, the Thunder were scheduled to host Washington next, while Memphis was set to visit Toronto on Monday. Oklahoma City will look to maintain its momentum, while the Grizzlies must quickly address their perimeter shooting and turnover issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Jared McCain score?
Jared McCain scored 21 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 128-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Who led the Thunder in scoring?
Ajay Mitchell led Oklahoma City with a career-high 35 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points.
What was the final score of the game?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-97 in an NBA Cup group-stage matchup.
How many straight games has Oklahoma City won against Memphis?
Oklahoma City has won 16 consecutive games against Memphis, including a four-game playoff sweep in 2025.
What was Memphis’ biggest problem?
The Grizzlies struggled from three-point range, finishing at 22%, while also allowing Oklahoma City to turn 18 turnovers into 30 points.
