Oklahoma City found a new scoring star on a night it needed one.

Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 35 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 as the Thunder routed the Memphis Grizzlies 128-97 on Friday night in Memphis in Emirates NBA Cup group play.

Jared McCain chipped in a season-high 21 points as the Thunder won their third straight game and improved to 7-2. Oklahoma City has now beaten Memphis 16 straight times counting a four-game sweep in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

Lead balloons early

The Thunder outscored Memphis 36-21 in the second quarter and took a 71-49 lead into halftime after shooting nearly 64% in the first half. A 12-0 burst early in the third quarter pushed the margin to 32.

Oklahoma City finished at 55% from the field and forced 18 turnovers that turned into 30 points. Mitchell has averaged 21.6 points over his previous five games while filling a bigger role.

Short-handed and still rolling

The Thunder played without injured starters Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander posted his fourth straight game of more than 25 points after scoring 43 and 42 in two wins over Cleveland.

Ty Jerome led Memphis with 21 points and Zach Edey added 14. No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer grabbed 12 rebounds but scored eight on 2-of-14 shooting as the Grizzlies shot 33% and lost their third straight after a 6-0 start.

Oklahoma City hosts Washington on Saturday. Memphis visits Toronto on Monday.