Thunder Rout Grizzlies 128-97 in NBA Cup
Oklahoma City beat Memphis by 31 points in a West Group B NBA Cup game, with Ajay Mitchell scoring a career-best 35.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-97 in a 2026 NBA Cup West Group B game. Ajay Mitchell led all scorers with a career-high 35 points and five assists.
Why it matters
The win gives Oklahoma City a 31-point margin in a group-stage contest, a result that keeps the Thunder competitive in the NBA Cup standings. For Oklahoma City fans, the performance showed depth beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with several reserves contributing double-digit scoring.
Mitchell's 35 points set a career best, while Jared McCain and Ty Jerome each scored 21. Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points and four assists through three quarters, and Cameron Boozer grabbed 12 rebounds for Memphis.
The players
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are an NBA franchise based in Oklahoma City that competes in the Western Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are an NBA franchise based in Memphis, Tennessee that competes in the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Thunder guard who has been among the league's leading scorers and was named league MVP in recent seasons.
The details
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points and dished four assists in three quarters before sitting out the final period. Zach Edey posted 14 points and six rebounds for the Grizzlies, who were outscored heavily in the game.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Thunder defeat Grizzlies 128-97 in NBA Cup play.
Season Trajectory
The NBA Cup, first played in 2023, uses group-stage play to seed a knockout bracket within the regular season. Early group results like Oklahoma City's 31-point win can shape which teams advance from the West.
Mitchell's breakout performance may affect fantasy lineups for the coming weeks. The Thunder's depth scoring suggests reserves like McCain and Jerome could see sustained roles.
The takeaway
Oklahoma City's balanced scoring in the NBA Cup win shows the team can produce points beyond its top player. Fans tracking the group standings should watch how these early margins translate into advancement.
Further reading
For more on Oklahoma City's season, see Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by OKC Thunder Wire.
