The Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup looked formidable again.

Not only did Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama return after missing Wednesday's game, but Memphis got shooting guard Desmond Bane back after a two-month absence.

Grizzlies starters were able to keep Memphis in the game, but the Western Conference's top seed was too much. Oklahoma City also got strong performances from its starters and outlasted the Grizzlies 118-112 in FedExForum on Saturday night.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Thunder. Oklahoma City (47-20) got 22 points and 11 rebounds from center Chet Holmgren.

The Grizzlies (23-45) had four starters score 16 or more points, led by Bane's 22 points. Luke Kennard was the lone starter that didn't reach double figures in scoring, but he knocked down two 3-pointers and recorded a season-high nine assists.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

Desmond Bane returns

Bane was officially back in the lineup, and it didn't take him long to score his first basket. The Grizzlies drew up the first play of the game for Bane, which resulted in swishing an open 3-pointer. Bane didn't look rusty at any point. He was quick, decisive and ready to shoot. Bane made seven of his 17 shots and added seven assists.

Memphis looked like a more cohesive team with Bane back in the lineup. It was like inserting a puzzle piece that allows everything else to look better. Kennard and Aldama were able to play off of Bane and Jackson. The Grizzlies recorded 34 assists as a result with each starter totaling at least four.

GG Jackson gets tough defensive assignment

Defense is one of the main areas Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has emphasized for GG Jackson's improvement. The Grizzlies coach put the 19-year-old rookie to the test on Saturday. Jackson started the game guarding MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He also switched often onto Jalen Williams and Holmgren. Jackson looked focus and attentive in each matchup. Memphis held Alexander to 20 points, and Jackson was one of the reasons why.

Jake LaRavia leads the bench

Bane's return nearly masked the injury woes the Grizzlies were still battling. Scotty Pippen Jr., Vince Williams Jr., Jordan Goodwin, Lamar Stevens and Trey Jemison were among the Grizzlies players out Saturday. As a result, Memphis didn't get much production from the bench for most of the game. That was until Jake LaRavia knocked down multiple big 3-pointers in the second half and helped Memphis get back into the game. LaRavia finished with 14 points.

What's next

The Grizzlies will begin a four-game road trip that starts on Monday (9 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) against the Sacramento Kings. The Kings won the two previous meetings this season.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Thunder spoil Desmond Bane's return to lineup in Grizzlies loss