Jalen Williams poured in 26 points and Kenrich Williams added 21 as the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder produced a stunning comeback to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-116 on Friday, overturning a 21-point deficit in the third quarter.

Kenrich Williams knocked down a crucial go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining, before Alex Caruso sealed the victory by blocking Cedric Coward’s potential game-winning shot at the buzzer. The Thunder achieved the dramatic win despite being without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and centre Chet Holmgren.

Gilgeous-Alexander sat out with a sprained ankle, while Holmgren was sidelined by sore shins, joining Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams on Oklahoma City’s injury list.

“Great resilience by the team,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “There were so many moments where it felt like we were about to break through and then something went against us. But the guys just kept competing.”

The victory improved the Thunder’s league-best record to 32-7.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 23 points and seven rebounds, as the Grizzlies controlled much of the contest despite the ongoing absence of Ja Morant. Morant missed his fourth straight game with a calf injury, with speculation continuing over his long-term future at the club.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo refused to address the trade rumours beforehand, insisting the focus was solely on facing the champions. After the game, he felt his side let their standards slip after the break.

“They’re a very experienced team,” Iisalo said. “They know how to use pressure situations to their advantage. We’re still learning that.”

Bucks edge Lakers late
Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Bucks held their nerve to claim a 105-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 22 points, including four clutch free throws in the final 16.2 seconds. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 21 points and made decisive defensive plays late on, blocking LeBron James and then intercepting a pass to help close out the win.

James finished with 26 points for the Lakers, while Luka Dončić added 24 before fouling out late. His foul on Porter’s three-point attempt proved costly, sending the Bucks guard to the line, where he converted two of three to put Milwaukee ahead.

After Antetokounmpo’s steal from James, Porter added two more free throws to secure the victory.

Durant milestone in vain
In Portland, the Trail Blazers spoiled a historic night for Kevin Durant, beating the Houston Rockets 111-105.

Durant moved into seventh place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list after surpassing Wilt Chamberlain with a third-quarter three-pointer. He finished with a game-high 30 points, but Houston squandered a 13-point lead in the final quarter of a contest that featured 24 lead changes.

Warriors, Celtics cruise
Golden State were dominant at home, as Stephen Curry recorded 27 points and 10 assists in a commanding 137-103 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors tallied 39 assists in a free-flowing team performance.

In Boston, the Celtics pulled away for a 125-117 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Payton Pritchard led six players in double figures with 27 points, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as Boston maintained their strong position near the top of the Eastern Conference.