Grizzlies vs Thunder Final Score and Highlights, NBA 24-25: Memphis Eliminated from NBA Playoffs Without Ja Morant

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Grizzlies vs Thunder Final Score and Highlights, NBA 24-25: The Memphis Grizzlies’ season came to a disappointing end as they were swept out of the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Playing without star guard Ja Morant, Memphis fought hard but ultimately fell 117-115 on April 26 at FedExForum, losing the best-of-seven series 4-0. After missing the playoffs last season due to injuries, the Grizzlies had hoped for a stronger postseason run but were unable to overcome the Thunder's depth and star power.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led Memphis with 30 points while Santi Aldama, starting in place of Morant, added 23 points. However, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane struggled offensively, combining to shoot just 10-of-32 from the field.

Foul trouble also plagued the Grizzlies throughout the night, with Pippen and rookie center Zach Edey both fouling out late in the game. On the Thunder's side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his best performance of the series, scoring 38 points along with six assists and five rebounds.

Edey Fouls Out as Thunder Extend Lead

Zach Edey fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter after battling Alex Caruso for a rebound. His exit came as the Thunder stretched their lead to 105-94, the largest margin of the night.

Earlier in the quarter, a three-pointer from Jalen Williams helped Oklahoma City pull ahead by double digits, forcing a timeout from Memphis with just over five minutes to play. Pippen, Jackson, and Bane all had five fouls but stayed on the floor in an effort to rally.

Grizzlies Stay Close Through Three Quarters

Despite their foul issues, Memphis stayed within striking distance through most of the third quarter. The Grizzlies limited the Thunder to just 13.8% shooting from three-point range, with Oklahoma City making only four of their 29 attempts. Scotty Pippen Jr. continued to pace Memphis offensively, ending the third with 23 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander had already posted 31 points for OKC.

Turnovers and Fouls Hurt Memphis

The Thunder capitalized on Memphis’ mistakes, going on a 9-0 run early in the third quarter after multiple turnovers. By halftime, Oklahoma City led 60-59, with Pippen leading the Grizzlies with 13 points and Aldama adding 12.

Fouls were already becoming an issue by then, with Edey picking up his fourth foul late in the second quarter and Pippen sitting with three. The Grizzlies’ hopes of a second-half comeback were further dampened by Jackson's flagrant foul on Alex Caruso in the first quarter.

Hot Start Fizzles Out for Memphis

Memphis began the game shooting extremely well, hitting over 63% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc early in the first quarter. Pippen Jr. and Aldama each scored six quick points, matching the offensive burst from Gilgeous-Alexander, who opened 4-for-4 from the field.

However, the hot start did not last, and turnovers, foul trouble, and inconsistent shooting eventually allowed the Thunder to gain control. The Grizzlies’ early momentum and strong shooting were not enough to overcome their growing foul problems and the Thunder's clutch performances.

Despite efforts from young players like Pippen Jr. and Aldama, Memphis simply could not find the rhythm needed to force a Game 5. The absence of Ja Morant was felt throughout the series, and the Grizzlies now face an offseason full of important decisions.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, moves on with momentum behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For Memphis, the loss brings a bitter end to a season that once held high hopes for a deep playoff run. The Grizzlies will look to regroup and build around their young core as they aim for a stronger showing next year.