Fans eagerly anticipating the celtics vs magic showdown will have to wait a bit longer. Oklahoma City captured the headlines Sunday by completing a 4–0 sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. Rolling to a 117-115 Game 4 victory. The No. 1 seed Thunder, the NBA’s youngest team, dispatched their first-round opponent with flair and resilience, setting the stage for even tougher tests ahead.
Thunder’s Youthful Balance on Full Display
From the outset, it was clear that this Thunder roster can win in myriad ways. After a blowout in Game 1 and a remarkable comeback in Game 3—erasing a 29-point deficit. The decisive contest saw 15 lead changes. MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 38 points, efficiently attacking the paint (13-of-24 FG) and converting 11-of-13 free throws, after dialing back his three-point attempts. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Jalen Williams shone as a first-time All-Star, and rookie Chet Holmgren’s continued shooting refinement added to the Thunder’s multifaceted attack.
From Early Dominance to Clutch Finish
The Thunder blew out Memphis in Game 1, then leaned on stifling defense in Game 3. In Game 4, however, the Grizzlies kept pace late into the fourth. It was Gilgeous-Alexander who sealed the sweep: with under nine minutes left and OKC up three, he bled the clock before drilling a step-back jumper that extended the lead to five and all but ended the series. His calm precision under pressure underscored why OKC posted a staggering +12.7 net rating this season—3.3 points clear of second-place Boston.
Defensive Prowess and Free-Throw Strategy
Oklahoma City’s backbone remains its defense: perimeter length from Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort, and interior protection by Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Offensively, the Thunder rank sixth in free-throw attempts (21.3 per game), exploiting contact to draw fouls and rack up points at the line—a vital weapon when three-point looks faltered early in the playoffs.
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What Comes Next: Facing Denver or L.A. Clippers
With the Grizzlies dispatched, the Thunder await the winner of the tight Nuggets-Clippers series. Oklahoma City split its four regular-season games with Denver and swept L.A., but playoff basketball presents fresh challenges. The Nuggets boast the league’s best offense, while the Clippers blend veteran savvy with defensive grit. Either matchup promises a litmus test for the Thunder’s championship mettle.
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Implications for Celtics vs Magic and the East
As the Western Conference heats up, Eastern fans can refocus on their own clash. The upcoming celtics vs magic series will now unfold under a new light. Two powerhouse squads vying for position amidst a rapidly shifting playoff landscape. While Boston and Orlando lock horns, the Thunder’s sweep serves as a reminder that youth, balance and defensive tenacity can upset expectations anywhere in the bracket.
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