OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats & Top Performers 2026
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats tell the full story of the NBA’s most one-sided Western Conference rivalry in the 2025–26 season.
On January 9, 2026, the Thunder pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks of the year — erasing a 21-point second-half deficit to win 117–116 at FedExForum.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 26 points while Kenrich Williams hit the go-ahead three with just over a minute left. This game had everything: clutch shots, massive runs, and elite individual performances that basketball fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Venue | FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Final Score | OKC Thunder 117 – Memphis Grizzlies 116 |
| Top Scorer (OKC) | Jalen Williams – 26 Points |
| Top Scorer (MEM) | Jaren Jackson Jr. – 23 Points |
| OKC Win Streak vs MEM | 16 Consecutive Games |
| Season Series | OKC leads 3–0 |
| Broadcast | NBA TV |
| OKC Record (2025–26) | 44–14 |
| MEM Record (2025–26) | 21–34 |
January 9, 2026 Game Overview
The Oklahoma City Thunder walked into FedExForum as heavy favorites, and the first half looked like Memphis might finally end the drought. The Grizzlies built a 21-point lead in the second half, sending their home crowd into a frenzy.
Then OKC flipped the switch. The Thunder went on a 15-6 run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 12, then shot 61% in the third period to climb back into striking distance. Kenrich Williams’ go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining proved to be the dagger.
Alex Caruso then made the decisive defensive stop on the final possession to seal the win. It was the kind of game that defines a championship team — winning ugly when everything says you should lose.
OKC Thunder Player Stats – January 9, 2026
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Williams | 26 | 10 | – | – | – |
| Kenrich Williams | 21 | – | – | – | 1 (go-ahead) |
| Ajay Mitchell | 23 | – | – | – | – |
| Aaron Wiggins | 16 | – | – | – | – |
Jalen Williams delivered a massive double-double with 26 points and 10 assists. It was his first double-double of the 2025–26 season, coming at the most critical moment possible.
Ajay Mitchell was sensational off the bench, pouring in 23 points and showing why OKC’s depth makes them the most dangerous team in the West. Aaron Wiggins added 16 to keep pressure on a depleted Memphis defense.
Kenrich Williams was the hero of the night. His three-pointer with 1:07 remaining gave OKC the lead for good and showcased exactly why Sam Presti builds rosters with high-IQ role players who deliver in the clutch.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Stats – January 9, 2026
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 23 | 7 | – | Led team |
| GG Jackson | 18 | – | – | Strong effort |
| Santi Aldama | 15 | – | – | Solid bench contribution |
| Ja Morant | DNP | – | – | Right calf contusion |
| Zach Edey | DNP | – | – | Left ankle stress |
Jaren Jackson Jr. was a warrior for Memphis. His 23 points and 7 rebounds were the lone bright spot in a brutal loss, and he showed why he remains one of the most underrated two-way players in the NBA.
GG Jackson contributed 18 points and continues to flash his potential as a future star. At just 20 years old, he is one of the most exciting young players on a struggling Memphis roster.
Santi Aldama provided 15 useful points, but with Morant, Edey, Vince Williams Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, and Brandon Clarke all sidelined, the Grizzlies simply did not have enough firepower.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | OKC | MEM |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 25 | 35 |
| Q2 | 21 | 30 |
| Q3 | 46 | 65 (cumulative) |
| Q4 | 117 (final) | 116 (final) |
Memphis controlled the first three quarters with physical, fast-paced play. The Grizzlies ranked 2nd-quickest in tempo over the last 15 games entering this contest, and they used that pace to build their lead.
OKC’s third-quarter surge was historic. Shooting 61% from the field in a single period, the Thunder outscored Memphis by a massive margin during that stretch and set up the dramatic fourth-quarter finish.
OKC Thunder 2025–26 Season Stats vs Memphis
These season series numbers reveal just how dominant OKC has been in this matchup all year long.
| Category | OKC Average | MEM Average |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (series) | ~110 | ~100 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 9.7 | 18.3 |
| Points off Turnovers | 23.7 | – |
| Series Record | 3–0 | 0–3 |
| Avg Margin of Victory | ~10 pts | – |
Memphis is averaging 18.3 turnovers per game against OKC this season. That number is nearly double Oklahoma City’s 9.7 average, and the Thunder have converted those miscues into 23.7 points per game — a turnover differential that has decided all three matchups.
OKC leads the series 3–0 with an average margin of victory of approximately 10 points per game. Even in their closest win — the 117–116 thriller — they found a way to close it out in the final minute.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Season Series Stats vs Memphis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not play in the January 9 game due to an ankle sprain, but his 2025–26 dominance against Memphis has been historic.
| Category | SGA’s Stats vs MEM (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 33.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 8.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 7.5 |
| Steals Per Game | 2.5 |
| Field Goal % | 55% |
SGA is putting up an absurd 33-point, 8-rebound, 7.5-assist stat line against Memphis this season while shooting 55% from the field. Those numbers would be elite in any context — against a specific opponent, they are historically dominant.
Even without SGA on January 9, OKC still won. That tells you everything about the depth Sam Presti has assembled in Oklahoma City.
Ja Morant Season Series Stats vs OKC
Ja Morant has struggled in this matchup all year, and injury has made things worse.
| Category | Morant’s Stats vs OKC (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 11.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 6.5 |
| Field Goal % | 37% |
| Games Played | 2 of 3 |
Morant is averaging just 11.5 points per game against OKC while shooting a poor 37% from the field. Those numbers represent a significant drop from his season averages and reflect how well the Thunder defense has contained him.
Reports also surfaced that Morant is on the trade block following another injury-plagued and performance-down stretch. His January 9 absence due to a right calf contusion was the third injury-related setback of the season for the former All-Star.
OKC Thunder All-Time Win Streak vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder’s 16-game winning streak against the Grizzlies is one of the most remarkable runs in recent NBA history.
This streak began back in 2022 and has now stretched across multiple seasons, including a 4-0 playoff sweep of Memphis in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. OKC then went on to win the 2025 NBA Championship, making their dominance over Memphis feel even more significant.
The Grizzlies, once considered OKC’s primary rival in the West, have fallen from contender status to a team rebuilding on the fly. The 23-game gap in the standings between these two franchises in 2025–26 tells the story clearly.
OKC Thunder Injury Report – January 9, 2026
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Out | Ankle |
| Chet Holmgren | Out | Leg |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Out | Calf |
| Alex Caruso | Day-to-Day | Back |
| Cason Wallace | Out | Toe |
| Jaylin Williams | Out | Heel |
| Nikola Topić | Out | Groin |
OKC played this game without SGA, Holmgren, and Hartenstein — arguably their three most important players. The fact that they still won 117–116 on the road is a testament to their depth and team culture.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report – January 9, 2026
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Out | Right Calf |
| Zach Edey | Out | Left Ankle |
| Vince Williams Jr. | Day-to-Day | Knee |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. | Out | Toe |
| John Konchar | Out | Thumb |
| Brandon Clarke | Out | Calf |
| Cedric Coward | Day-to-Day | Ankle |
Memphis entered this game with six rotation players on the injury list. That’s an unsustainable situation for any team trying to compete, and it largely explains why the Grizzlies have dropped six of their last seven games entering this contest.
Key Matchup Stats and Trends
Understanding the individual position matchups helps explain why OKC has dominated this series all season long.
Opposing starting point guards have attempted 7.7 three-point shots per game against the Thunder — the highest rate in the NBA — making OKC a favorable matchup for PGs who can shoot from deep. Memphis PGs averaged 7.0 attempts per game from three against OKC, reflecting this league-wide trend.
The Grizzlies ranked 2nd in pace over the last 15 games, and sharing the floor with OKC — the 9th-fastest offense over the last 20 games — pushed this game into a high-tempo shootout that benefited both offenses early on.
Memphis’s starting small forwards have attempted just 2.6 free throws per game over the last 12 games, the 3rd-fewest in the NBA. That number reflects a real weakness in drawing contact, which OKC’s defense exploited throughout the series.
OKC Thunder Western Conference Standing – 2025–26
The Thunder’s 44–14 record puts them comfortably atop the Western Conference with the second-best record in the entire NBA. They are also a perfect 14–0 at Paycom Center through late December 2025.
Their championship pedigree, elite roster depth, and sustainable team-building model under Sam Presti have created the type of multi-year window that only a handful of franchises achieve in any given era. The Thunder are not just good in 2026 — they are built to be great for years.
Memphis Grizzlies Outlook – 2025–26 and Beyond
Memphis sits 9th in the West with a 21–34 record. A 23-game gap separates them from OKC in the standings, which is about as wide a gap as you can have in a single conference.
The franchise faces serious questions about Ja Morant’s health and trade value, roster construction, and whether their current core has the ceiling to compete with OKC, Dallas, and Golden State in the Western Conference arms race.
The Grizzlies have shown competitive pride — their first-half dominance on January 9 and near-comeback in an earlier game demonstrate that. But individual efforts from JJJ and GG Jackson are not enough to bridge a talent gap of this magnitude without significant offseason moves.
Top Performers of the 2025–26 OKC vs MEM Season Series
| Rank | Player | Team | Standout Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 33.0 PPG, 55% FG vs MEM |
| 2 | Jalen Williams | OKC | 26 PTS, 10 AST (Jan 9) |
| 3 | Ajay Mitchell | OKC | 23 PTS off bench (Jan 9) |
| 4 | Kenrich Williams | OKC | Clutch go-ahead 3 (Jan 9) |
| 5 | Jaren Jackson Jr. | MEM | 23 PTS, 7 REB (Jan 9) |
| 6 | GG Jackson | MEM | 18 PTS, showing star potential |
Why OKC Keeps Beating Memphis
The reasons for OKC’s 16-game dominance go well beyond individual talent. The Thunder average just 9.7 turnovers per game in this series compared to Memphis’s 18.3 — a differential that creates 23.7 extra OKC points per game from miscues alone.
OKC’s defense forces bad decisions. Memphis tries to play fast, but OKC’s length, switching ability, and IQ make turnovers inevitable. Alex Caruso’s defensive stop on the final possession of January 9’s game was a perfect metaphor for how this series always ends.
Beyond turnovers, OKC’s shooting is elite. They shot 61% in the third quarter alone on January 9. When the Thunder get hot, they are virtually impossible to stop, and they have done it against Memphis more consistently than any other opponent.
What These Stats Mean for the Rest of 2025–26
With SGA, Holmgren, and Hartenstein all returning from injury, OKC will only get stronger in the second half. The Thunder’s playoff seeding appears locked in, and a second consecutive title run is very much within reach.
For Memphis, the path forward is reconstruction. The Grizzlies need a full offseason to evaluate Morant’s future, develop young players like GG Jackson, and potentially make aggressive moves to close the talent gap. Until then, the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats will continue to tell the same story: OKC wins, and it is rarely as close as the January 9 final score suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies game on January 9, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder won 117–116, overcoming a 21-point second-half deficit in one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2025–26 NBA season.
What were Jalen Williams’ stats against Memphis on January 9, 2026?
Jalen Williams scored 26 points and recorded 10 assists, his first double-double of the 2025–26 season, leading OKC to the comeback win.
How many games in a row has OKC beaten Memphis?
The Thunder have won 16 consecutive games against the Grizzlies, a streak dating back to 2022 that includes a 4-0 playoff sweep in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Did Ja Morant play in the January 9, 2026 game?
No, Ja Morant was ruled out with a right calf contusion and did not play in the January 9 matchup at FedExForum.
What are SGA’s stats vs Memphis in the 2025–26 season series?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 33.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game against Memphis while shooting 55% from the field this season.
Who hit the go-ahead shot in OKC’s win over Memphis on January 9?
Kenrich Williams hit the clutch go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining, giving OKC a lead they would not relinquish.
What is OKC’s record in the 2025–26 season series against Memphis?
The Thunder lead the season series 3–0, winning all three matchups by an average margin of approximately 10 points per game.
Who led the Memphis Grizzlies in scoring against OKC on January 9?
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 23 points and 7 rebounds, providing the team’s only consistent offensive threat throughout the game.
What is Memphis’s record in the 2025–26 NBA season?
The Memphis Grizzlies hold a 21–34 record, sitting 9th in the Western Conference — 23 games behind the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder.
How many turnovers is Memphis averaging against OKC this season?
Memphis is averaging 18.3 turnovers per game against the Thunder this season, compared to OKC’s 9.7 — a differential that has cost the Grizzlies all three meetings.
Conclusion
OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats in 2026 tell the story of a rivalry that has become totally one-sided. The Thunder’s 117–116 comeback win on January 9 showcased everything that makes OKC elite — depth, clutch execution, and defensive resilience even without their three best players.
Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Kenrich Williams stepped up when it mattered most. For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. and GG Jackson showed fight, but turnovers and injuries continue to derail the Grizzlies. With a 16-game win streak and a 44–14 record, OKC remains the Western Conference’s gold standard heading into the second half of 2025–26.
