OKC • Center-Forward • #7
After only needing to play 21 minutes to record a double-double in Sunday’s 51-point victory, Holmgrem was forced to work a little harder in Game 2. That said, his rim protection has been elite, with the second-year forward/center up to seven blocked shots through two games. Add in the rebounding, and Holmgren has been one of the riddles that Memphis has been unable to solve thus far. The series shifts to Memphis for Game 3, which will be played on Thursday night.
about 10 hours ago
April 23, 2025 2:11 AM
OKC • Guard • #9
about 10 hours ago
After offering minimal value in 12 minutes off the bench in Game 1, Caruso was far more impactful on Tuesday. He led all reserves in scoring, with Oklahoma City’s bench outscoring their Grizzlies counterparts by a 33-14 margin. Caruso also tallied four defensive contributions after failing to produce any steals or blocks in the series opener. Caruso’s play may not be a significant storyline in this series, but his ability to provide value on both ends of the floor gives Oklahoma City’s bench a decided advantage. Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday in Memphis, with the Thunder aiming to take a 3-0 series lead.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
about 10 hours ago
While the Grizzlies were more competitive in Game 2 than in Sunday’s 51-point defeat, they still did not have an answer for Williams. In Oklahoma City’s two victories, he dropped 44 points on 20-of-35 shooting. By comparison, he averaged 19.8 points per game on 49.2 percent shooting in four meetings with the Grizzlies during the regular season. Regardless of what Memphis has been able to do defensively to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their lack of an answer for J-Dub and the rest of the “supporting cast” is why Oklahoma City takes a 2-0 lead into Thursday’s Game 3.
OKC • Guard • #2
about 10 hours ago
As was the case in Sunday’s series opener, the Grizzlies managed to make Gilgeous-Alexander work for his looks in Game 2. The MVP candidate shot below 40 percent from the field in both games, something he did not do at all during the regular season. The good news for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder was that he was more productive on Tuesday, and Oklahoma City’s depth once again carried the day. The Thunder have won the first two games by a combined 70 points, the second-largest margin in the first two games of a series in NBA playoff history. Oklahoma City will look to take a 3-0 lead when the series shifts to Memphis on Thursday.
NYK • Center-Forward • #32
1 day ago
Towns was awesome in Game 1 and contributed a 23/11/5/4/2 line in 39 minutes. However, he wasn’t able to repeat that performance, mostly because the team didn’t make him a priority. He was held scoreless in the second half and took just three shots after the break. His last shot attempts came with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter. Towns didn’t do a great job on the glass either. While he needs to be better there, Towns is a dynamic scorer. They aren’t paying him $49 million this season because he makes the hustle plays. They need to get him going in Game 3 on Thursday.
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 days ago
Miami’s frontcourt was solid in Game 1, with Adebayo recording a complete stat line and rookie Kel’el Ware (14/6/2/1 with two three-pointers in 38 minutes) providing solid contributions in his playoff debut. However, it wasn’t enough to counter what Cleveland’s guards were able to do, which may prove to be the prevailing storyline of this series. Adebayo should be able to put up quality lines on a nightly basis, despite having to deal with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, the Heat are serious underdogs in this series due to their comparatively limited depth of productive players.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
3 days ago
Give Carter credit for his work on the boards and for being Kristaps Porzingis’ primary defender for most of Game 1. However, the offensive production was lackluster, a trend that also persisted during the regular season. Carter’s average of 9.1 per game was the lowest of his NBA career; this was the first season in which he failed to average double figures. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will do most of the heavy lifting offensively, but they’re going to need help in this series. Fellow starters Carter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6/4/2/3 with two three-pointers) and Cory Joseph (zero points, two assists) combining to score 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting isn’t good enough. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
