Memphis Grizzlies Win Big Against Oklahoma City Thunder in Salt Lake City Summer League Opener

孟菲格瑞茲在鹽湖城夏季聯賽開幕戰大勝俄克拉荷馬城雷霆

Jul 4, 2026, 22:45
USSports

Introduction

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-74 on July 4, 2026, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, starting the Salt Lake City Summer League.

孟菲格瑞茲於 2026 年 7 月 4 日在 Jon M. Huntsman 中心以 111-74 擊敗俄克拉荷馬城雷霆，開啟鹽湖城夏季聯賽。

Main Body

The Grizzlies won because they were much more efficient than their opponents. Memphis shot 56% from the field and 51.5% from three-point range, whereas Oklahoma City only managed 41% and 20%, respectively. The Grizzlies' team chemistry was a major advantage, as they combined high-draft picks with experienced NBA players. For instance, Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, scored 15 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Other key players included Olivier-Maxence Prosper with 17 points and Taylor Hendricks with 15 points. However, the team was slightly weakened because Karim Lopez and Walter Clayton Jr. missed the game due to muscle injuries.

格瑞茲獲勝是因為他們的效率遠高於對手。孟菲的投籃命中率為 56%，三分命中率為 51.5%，而俄克拉荷馬城則分別僅有 41% 和 20%。格瑞茲的球隊化學反應是一大優勢，因為他們將高順位新秀與經驗豐富的 NBA 球員結合。例如，第三順位新秀 Cameron Boozer 拿下 15 分，並貢獻 4 個籃板與 4 次助攻。其他關鍵球員包括得到 17 分的 Olivier-Maxence Prosper 以及 15 分的 Taylor Hendricks。然而，由於 Karim Lopez 和 Walter Clayton Jr. 因肌肉受傷缺陣，球隊實力略有削弱。

On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder struggled and trailed by as many as 41 points. Despite the loss, the team used the game to test their new talent. Aday Mara, the No. 12 overall pick, scored 10 points and showed strength inside the paint. Bennett Stirtz also scored 10 points, demonstrating good ball-handling and shooting skills. Furthermore, Brooks Barnhizer and Payton Sandfort each added 13 points. It appears that the Thunder are focusing more on developing individual skills than on team coordination at this stage.

另一方面，俄克拉荷馬城雷霆表現掙扎，一度落後多達 41 分。儘管失利，球隊仍利用這場比賽測試新人才。第 12 順位新秀 Aday Mara 拿下 10 分，並在禁區展現強大威力。Bennett Stirtz 同樣得到 10 分，展現了良好的控球與投籃技巧。此外，Brooks Barnhizer 和 Payton Sandfort 各自貢獻 13 分。目前看來，雷霆更專注於個人技巧的開發，而非團隊協調。

Beyond this game, the Salt Lake City Summer League is a key event for several 2026 draft picks to make their debut. This includes Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz and Kingston Flemings of the Atlanta Hawks. Consequently, the league provides a low-pressure environment for teams to evaluate rookie talent before the regular season begins.

除了本場比賽，鹽湖城夏季聯賽是多名 2026 年選秀新秀亮相的關鍵活動。這包括猶他爵士的 Darryn Peterson 與亞特蘭大老鷹的 Kingston Flemings。因此，該聯賽為球隊提供了一個低壓力的環境，以便在例行賽開始前評估新秀天賦。

Conclusion

The Memphis Grizzlies have started the series strongly and are scheduled to play the Utah Jazz on July 6.

孟菲格瑞茲強勢開啟系列賽，並預計於 7 月 6 日對陣猶他爵士。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 From 'Basic' to 'B2': The Power of Contrast Connectors

At an A2 level, you usually connect ideas with and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to guide the reader through your logic using Contrast Connectors. These allow you to compare two different situations without sounding repetitive.

⚡ The 'B2 Upgrade' in Action

Look at how the article compares the two teams. Instead of saying "The Grizzlies were good but the Thunder were bad," it uses these high-level tools:

  1. Whereas (The Direct Comparison)

    • Example: "Memphis shot 56%... whereas Oklahoma City only managed 41%."
    • Why it's B2: It balances two opposing facts in one elegant sentence. Use this when comparing statistics or habits.

  2. On the other hand (The Perspective Shift)

    • Example: "On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder struggled..."
    • Why it's B2: It signals to the reader that you are finished talking about one side and are now switching to a completely different viewpoint.

  3. Despite (The Surprise Factor)

    • Example: "Despite the loss, the team used the game to test their new talent."
    • Why it's B2: It shows that one thing happened even though there was an obstacle.
    • Grammar Note: Always follow "Despite" with a noun or a gerund (the -ing form), never a full sentence.

🛠️ Practical Application

If you want to describe your English journey, don't say: "I like English but it is hard." (A2)

Try these B2 versions:

  • "I enjoy studying English, whereas my friend prefers studying French."
  • "Despite the difficulty of the grammar, I am improving every day."
  • "Reading is easy for me. On the other hand, speaking is still a challenge."

Vocabulary Learning

efficient (adj.)
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example:The new engine is much more efficient, using less fuel to travel the same distance.
respectively (adv.)
In the order previously mentioned.
Example:Alice and Bob scored 10 and 15 points, respectively.
demonstrating (v.)
Showing clearly that something exists or is true by giving proof or evidence.
Example:The athlete is demonstrating a new technique to the rest of the team.
coordination (n.)
The ability to use different parts of the body separately and together efficiently, or the organization of different elements of a complex body or activity.
Example:The team lacked coordination, which led to several mistakes during the game.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The player was injured; consequently, he had to miss the final match.
evaluate (v.)
To judge or determine the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.
Example:The manager needs to evaluate the performance of the new recruits before signing them to a long-term contract.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→