Kevin Durant: Performance Roundup in the 2011 NBA Western Conference semi-finals (Part 2)
Game-1: Memphis Grizzlies 114 – Oklahoma City Thunder 101
Zach Randolph lifted the eighth seeded Memphis Grizzlies over the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder in a shocking 114-101 victory on May 1, 2011 at the Oklahoma City Arena.
Despite Kevin Durant’s steady performance, OKC failed to make an impression on the night. Durant scored another double-double for the Thunder, scoring 33 points along with 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. He
spent 44 minutes on the court for his 11 of 21 field goals including three of five from beyond the arc.
About the Thunder’s performance Durant said, "We didn't have any energy, they played harder than us, give those guys credit. We've gotta come out with more fight next game."
Game-2: Oklahoma City Thunder 111 – Memphis Grizzlies 102
Kevin Durant and James Harden spearheaded the Oklahoma City Thunder as they avoided a perilous 0-2 hole against the Memphis. OKC defeated the Grizzlies 111-102 just two days after they lost out to the brilliance of Zach Randolph.
Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said after the game, "It was a classic desperate team, more aggressive team. I say the desperate team usually wins, and they were the desperate team in their play, which was a sense of urgency and aggressiveness.
"They came out and attacked."
Durant hit 26 points and rest of the roster also came alive that supported him well to even the best of the seven game series 1-1. Team-mate Harden made 21 points off the bench for the Thunder.
It took Durant 34 minutes to lead all the scorers, besides his 26 points he also clutched five boards and provided one steal. Though Durant struggled from the field mightily as he made just eight of 18, but he dominated the Grizzlies
from the paint and three-point range as he hit his two of two three-pointers and made eight of 10 from the charity stripe.
The Grizzlies trimmed the deficit down to three (33-36) half way in the second quarter, but Durant quickly made the possession after missing a jumper and restored the Thunder’s lead again. During the spurt Durant made a two-point
shot, a layup and then hit one from the paint and all these went unanswered.
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