Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 92-80 in Salt Lake City Summer League action on July 5, 2025. GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells each scored 20 points for the Grizzlies while Ajay Mitchell led all scorers with 24 for the Thunder.
Quick Stats Summary
Top Performers Head-to-Head
| Memphis Grizzlies | Stats | Oklahoma City Thunder | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| GG Jackson | 20 pts, 8-15 FG, 3-8 3PT | Ajay Mitchell | 24 pts, 10-18 FG, 6 ast |
| Jaylen Wells | 20 pts, 7-7 FT, +11 | Brooks Barnhizer | 13 reb, 8 pts, 3 OFF boards |
| Cam Spencer | 14 pts, 5-8 FG, +12 | Jazian Gortman | 10 pts, 4-5 FG, 80% |
| Javon Small | 6 ast, 6.0 AST/TO | Nikola Topić | 14 pts, 7 turnovers |
Complete Box Score: Memphis Grizzlies (92 Points)
| Player | MIN | PTS | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Wells | 27:24 | 20 | 5-14 | 35.7% | 3-8 | 37.5% | 7-7 | 100% | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | +11 |
| GG Jackson | 28:14 | 20 | 8-15 | 53.3% | 3-8 | 37.5% | 1-1 | 100% | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +9 |
| Armando Bacot | 16:25 | 9 | 2-2 | 100% | 0-0 | 0% | 5-6 | 83.3% | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | -2 |
| Cam Spencer | 28:01 | 14 | 5-8 | 62.5% | 2-4 | 50.0% | 2-2 | 100% | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | +12 |
| Zyon Pullin | 21:10 | 8 | 1-9 | 11.1% | 0-1 | 0% | 6-6 | 100% | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | +4 |
| Javon Small | 18:50 | 4 | 2-6 | 33.3% | 0-2 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +8 |
| Nate Hinton | 11:59 | 3 | 1-5 | 20.0% | 0-1 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Efton Reid III | 10:12 | 2 | 1-2 | 50.0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +9 |
| Jeremy Jones | 11:46 | 3 | 0-1 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 3-3 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | +3 |
| Phlandrous Fleming Jr. | 15:15 | 7 | 3-5 | 60.0% | 0-1 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lawson Lovering | 10:44 | 2 | 1-1 | 100% | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +6 |
| TOTALS | 92 | 29-68 | 42.6% | 10-27 | 37.0% | 24-25 | 96.0% | 32 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 16 | 25 | +12 |
Did Not Play (Coach’s Decision): Ace Baldwin Jr., Ante Brzovich, Tyler Burton, Cedric Coward, Aaron Estrada, Will Magnay, Jahmai Mashack, Bo Montgomery
Complete Box Score: Oklahoma City Thunder (80 Points)
| Player | MIN | PTS | FGM-FGA | FG% | 3PM-3PA | 3P% | FTM-FTA | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Barnhizer | 25:47 | 8 | 3-6 | 50.0% | 1-2 | 50.0% | 2-3 | 66.7% | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -13 |
| Malevy Leons | 20:37 | 8 | 3-6 | 50.0% | 0-1 | 0% | 2-3 | 66.7% | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -6 |
| Mady Sissoko | 21:26 | 4 | 1-2 | 50.0% | 0-0 | 0% | 2-4 | 50.0% | 7 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | -5 |
| Nikola Topić | 25:59 | 14 | 6-12 | 50.0% | 2-5 | 40.0% | 0-0 | 0% | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 3 | -5 |
| Ajay Mitchell | 27:10 | 24 | 10-18 | 55.6% | 1-3 | 33.3% | 3-3 | 100% | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -17 |
| Alex Ducas | 18:38 | 6 | 2-5 | 40.0% | 2-4 | 50.0% | 0-0 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 |
| Zack Austin | 13:44 | 0 | 0-4 | 0% | 0-4 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -2 |
| Chris Youngblood | 21:06 | 5 | 2-8 | 25.0% | 1-4 | 25.0% | 0-1 | 0% | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -5 |
| Jazian Gortman | 15:35 | 10 | 4-5 | 80.0% | 0-0 | 0% | 2-3 | 66.7% | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -3 |
| Ty Brewer | 2:39 | 0 | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 |
| Cameron Brown | 2:39 | 0 | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 |
| Cesare Edwards | 2:20 | 0 | 0-0 | 0% | 0-1 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| Erik Reynolds II | 2:20 | 0 | 0-1 | 0% | 0-1 | 0% | 0-0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| TOTALS | 80 | 31-66 | 47.0% | 7-24 | 29.2% | 11-17 | 64.7% | 35 | 14 | 8 | 5 | 23 | 25 | -12 |
Did Not Play (Coach’s Decision): Branden Carlson, Viktor Lakhin, Payton Sandfort, Thomas Sorber, Kerwin Walton, Hason Ward
BY THE NUMBERS: Key Statistics That Decided the Game
96% vs 64.7%
Memphis shot 24-25 from the free throw line while Oklahoma City managed just 11-17. The 31.3% gap in free throw percentage translated to a 13-point advantage at the stripe.
30 Points Off 23 Turnovers
Oklahoma City committed 23 turnovers that Memphis converted into 30 points. Compare that to Memphis’s 16 turnovers yielding just 18 points for OKC.
75.9% vs 45.2%
Memphis assisted on 22 of 29 made field goals. Oklahoma City assisted on just 14 of 31 made baskets. The 30.7% difference shows contrasting offensive philosophies.
Quarter-by-Quarter: How Memphis Built Their Lead
| Quarter | Memphis | Oklahoma City | Game Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 19 | 18 | Back-and-forth action, neither team leads by more than 3 |
| 2nd | 26 | 22 | Memphis strings together a 9-2 run midway through |
| 3rd | 27 | 22 | Grizzlies push margin to 72-62, first double-digit lead |
| 4th | 20 | 18 | Memphis maintains control throughout |
| Final | 92 | 80 | Memphis wins by 12 |
The third quarter proved decisive. Memphis outscored Oklahoma City 27-22 to build their first double-digit advantage at 72-62. The 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter proved insurmountable for the Thunder.
Player Performance in Context
GG Jackson: Return to Form After Injury
Jackson’s 20 points on 53.3% shooting marked his highest scoring output since January 14, 2025, before his foot injury. Consider his trajectory:
Pre-Injury (2023-24 Rookie Season):
- 14.6 points per game
- 42.8% field goal percentage
- All-Rookie Second Team selection
Post-Injury (2024-25 Limited Action):
- 7.2 points per game (29 games)
- 37.2% field goal percentage
- Minutes restricted
Summer League Return:
- 20 points, 53.3% FG
- 63.3% effective field goal percentage
- 28:14 minutes (no restrictions)
His three made three-pointers matched his total from his last five games before the injury. The 45th pick from the 2023 draft appears ready to reclaim his rotation spot.
Ajay Mitchell: From Role Player to Lead Guard
Mitchell’s 24 points represent a dramatic leap from his rookie production:
| Category | Rookie Season (2024-25) | Summer League Game | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 6.5 per game | 24 | +269% |
| Field Goal Attempts | 5.8 per game | 18 | +210% |
| Assists | 1.8 per game | 6 | +233% |
| Usage Rate | 13.2% | 30.0% | +127% |
The UC Santa Barbara product (38th pick, 2024) handled primary offensive responsibilities for the first time at the professional level. His 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio while carrying such a heavy load demonstrates improved decision-making.
Brooks Barnhizer: Rebounding Against the Odds
Barnhizer’s 13 rebounds become more impressive considering his recent history:
- January 2025: Foot injury ends Northwestern season
- Pre-game report: Listed as “out for season”
- July 5: Leads all players with 13 rebounds
His rebounding rate exceeded his strong college numbers:
- Northwestern (2024-25): 8.8 rebounds in 31.2 minutes
- Summer League: 13 rebounds in 25.8 minutes
The 3 offensive rebounds generated second-chance opportunities, though OKC only converted them into 2 points.
Team Statistical Deep Dive
Shooting Efficiency Breakdown
| Shot Type | Memphis | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area | 12-18 (66.7%) | 14-22 (63.6%) |
| In the Paint (Non-RA) | 5-12 (41.7%) | 6-15 (40.0%) |
| Mid-Range | 2-11 (18.2%) | 4-9 (44.4%) |
| Three-Point | 10-27 (37.0%) | 7-24 (29.2%) |
| Free Throws | 24-25 (96.0%) | 11-17 (64.7%) |
Memphis dominated at the line and from three-point range, while Oklahoma City had slight advantages in the paint and mid-range.
Possession and Pace Analysis
Both teams played at a 102.60 pace, resulting in approximately 89 possessions per team. Breaking down scoring efficiency:
- Memphis: 92 points on 89 possessions = 1.03 points per possession
- Oklahoma City: 80 points on 89 possessions = 0.90 points per possession
The 0.13 PPP difference aligns with the 12-point final margin.
Bench Production Comparison
| Bench Player | Team | Minutes | Points | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phlandrous Fleming Jr. | MEM | 15:15 | 7 | 60% FG |
| Javon Small | MEM | 18:50 | 4 | 6 assists |
| Jazian Gortman | OKC | 15:35 | 10 | 80% FG |
| Alex Ducas | OKC | 18:38 | 6 | 2-4 3PT |
| Memphis bench: 31 points on 10-21 shooting (47.6%) | OKC bench: 23 points on 8-18 shooting (44.4%) | |||
Memphis bench: 31 points on 10-21 shooting (47.6%)
OKC bench: 23 points on 8-18 shooting (44.4%)
Advanced Metrics Analysis
Net Rating Leaders and Laggards
Despite Mitchell’s scoring explosion, his -31.0 net rating reflects the team’s struggles when he played. Memphis outscored OKC by 17 points during his 27 minutes on court.
Usage Rate vs Efficiency
| Player | Usage % | True Shooting % | Points Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajay Mitchell (OKC) | 30.0% | 62.1% | 24 |
| Zyon Pullin (MEM) | 27.8% | 34.4% | 8 |
| Jaylen Wells (MEM) | 26.9% | 58.5% | 20 |
| Nikola Topić (OKC) | 26.5% | 63.6% | 14 |
| Jazian Gortman (OKC) | 25.0% | 79.1% | 10 |
| GG Jackson (MEM) | 24.3% | 64.8% | 20 |
Jazian Gortman posted the best efficiency among high-usage players but received limited opportunities with just 5 field goal attempts.
Championship Context and Roster Reality
Just 13 days before this game, Oklahoma City’s main roster completed their championship run:
- Regular Season: 68-14 record (best in NBA)
- Playoffs: 16-7 record
- Finals: Defeated Indiana Pacers 4-3
- Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The contrast between that championship roster and this Summer League squad demonstrates the challenge facing these developmental players. With a proven championship core, roster spots are extremely limited.
Betting Market Accuracy
Pre-game betting lines from The Action Network:
- Spread: Memphis -4.5 (Result: Memphis by 12) ✓
- Moneyline: Memphis -188, OKC +152 (Result: Memphis wins) ✓
- Total: O/U 183.5 (Result: 172 points) Under ✓
- Money Distribution: 68% backed Memphis
The betting market correctly assessed Memphis’s roster advantage despite OKC’s organizational success.
Development Paths and Roster Projections
Memphis Grizzlies Prospects
GG Jackson – NBA Rotation Player
- Healthy and efficient after foot surgery
- Previous All-Rookie Second Team pedigree
- Projects as 8th-9th man in rotation
Jaylen Wells – Two-Way Contract Candidate
- Scored efficiently despite 35.7% FG (perfect from FT line)
- +11 best among starters
- Could see spot minutes as wing depth
Javon Small – G-League Starting Point Guard
- 6 assists, 6.0 AST/TO ratio
- Floor general qualities evident
- Emergency call-up option
Oklahoma City Thunder Prospects
Ajay Mitchell – Two-Way Contract Lock
- Proved capable of carrying offensive load
- Belgian national team experience adds value
- Will star for OKC Blue (G-League)
Brooks Barnhizer – Two-Way Contract Possible
- Elite rebounding translates immediately
- Northwestern toughness fits OKC culture
- Needs offensive development
Nikola Topić – G-League Project
- 7 turnovers show adjustment needed
- Raw talent evident in 14 points
- Full season in G-League likely
Historical Draft Context
According to official records:
- GG Jackson: 45th overall, 2023 NBA Draft (South Carolina)
- Ajay Mitchell: 38th overall, 2024 NBA Draft (UC Santa Barbara)
- Brooks Barnhizer: Undrafted, 2025 (Northwestern)
Key Tactical Observations
Memphis’s Ball Movement Philosophy
The Grizzlies recorded assists on 75.9% of made field goals, demonstrating systematic ball movement. Javon Small orchestrated the offense with 6 assists and just 1 turnover, while Cam Spencer added 4 assists as a secondary playmaker.
Oklahoma City’s Isolation Dependence
With only 45.2% of field goals assisted, OKC relied heavily on individual creation. Mitchell’s 30% usage rate meant nearly one-third of possessions ended with him shooting or turning the ball over.
Free Throw Disparity Impact
Memphis attempted 25 free throws to OKC’s 17, an 8-attempt advantage. Combined with their 31.3% better accuracy, the Grizzlies gained a massive advantage at the stripe. Seven different Memphis players shot free throws compared to six for OKC.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Memphis won 92-80 on July 5, 2025 in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
A: Ajay Mitchell scored 24 points for Oklahoma City, leading all scorers.
A: Jackson scored 20 points on 8-15 shooting (53.3%) with 3 made three-pointers.
A: Brooks Barnhizer grabbed 13 rebounds despite being listed as injured pre-game.
A: Memphis shot 96.0% (24-25) compared to OKC’s 64.7% (11-17).
A: Oklahoma City had 23 turnovers, Memphis had 16.
Related Basketball Coverage
For more basketball statistics and analysis:
- Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats
- Match vs Player Stats Homepage
- UK Based Match Player Stats Analysis of this Match
Comprehensive Game Summary
Memphis controlled this Summer League matchup from the second quarter onward, building their lead through superior free throw shooting (96% vs 64.7%), better ball movement (22 assists vs 14), and capitalizing on turnovers (30 points off 23 OKC turnovers).
GG Jackson’s return from foot surgery proved successful. His 20 points on 53.3% shooting matched Jaylen Wells for the team lead. Jackson’s efficiency (63.3% eFG, 64.8% TS%) suggests he’s ready to reclaim his NBA rotation role after missing significant time with a broken fifth metatarsal.
Ajay Mitchell kept Oklahoma City competitive with 24 points and 6 assists, but his team-worst -17 plus/minus illustrates the lack of support. His scoring output nearly quadrupled his 6.5 PPG rookie average, demonstrating significant development since his 38th overall selection in 2024.
Brooks Barnhizer dominated the boards with 13 rebounds after pre-game reports listed him out with a foot injury from January. The Northwestern product’s 40% defensive rebound rate and 3 offensive rebounds provided OKC with extra possessions, though poor shooting limited their impact.
The game occurred just 13 days after Oklahoma City won the 2025 NBA Championship, but none of those champions played in this Summer League contest. Instead, prospects battled for limited roster spots on the championship organization.
Memphis’s bench outscored OKC’s 31-23, with Phlandrous Fleming Jr. contributing 7 points on 60% shooting and Javon Small adding 6 assists. The Grizzlies’ depth and ball movement proved superior throughout.
The OKC Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats demonstrate Memphis’s team-oriented approach defeating Oklahoma City’s isolation-heavy offense. The Grizzlies’ combination of efficient shooting, smart passing, and capitalizing on mistakes secured a comfortable 12-point victory in Salt Lake City Summer League action.
