Memphis Grizzlies finally beat the Oklahoma City Thunder after five attempts, 94-88 - NBA Recap
On Monday night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, the Memphis Grizzlies silenced the Thunder beat as they held off the Western Conference leaders 94-88.
Grizzlies reserve guard O.J. Mayo nailed his only three pointer on the night which turned out to be the match winner as they managed to hold off the Thunder attack. They key to winning this game for Memphis, was their hard work
on the defensive side of the court which forced the Oklahoma City Thunder to turn the ball over 18 times.
The other significant factor was the restriction of Oklahoma`s fast break points. Tonight OKC, who came into the game with a six game winning streak, only managed two in transition as the Grizzlies put up a splendid display on
the D. The Grizzlies also dominated the offensive glass 14-9, controlling the game in that department as well.
Mayo finished the game with 22 points, Tony Allen scored 15 and Marc Gasol chipped in 13 points.
Kevin Durant had 21 points to lead OKC. Russell Westbrook had 19 points but he was troubled by turnovers throughout the game while James Harden scored 14 points off the bench for the Thunder.
As the regular season is drawing to a close, a lot of teams are looking to secure a berth in the play offs. Same is the case with the Grizzlies. Before the game, Memphis Coach Lionel Hollins had emphasized on winning this game
if the Grizzlies want to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The game had momentum swings for most part of the game - the lead changed hands 12 times and scores were tied up nine times. Oklahoma had a late run in the game as they were trying to get back into the lead but O.J.Mayo’s bomb
from long range in the final seconds of the game destroyed all OKC hopes.
The game was a battle of the defences with OKC restricting the Grizzlies to only shoot 39.1% from the field. While Memphis who still allowed the Thunder to shoot the ball 45.2% were able to restrict the free flow of points the
Thunder are more accustomed of having. Memphis played half court defence throughout the game by getting back in numbers.
"We weren't running the ball like we would have liked. They got back and made us play in the half court. Give them credit they put their hands on us and were very physical."
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said after the game.
OKC All Stars Durant and Westbrook had a poor showing by combining for 13-for-36 on the night and going 0-4 in the fast break department. This was all due to the fact that Memphis played straight up physical defence for the entire
game restricting OKC to just under 90 points which has only happened twice before in the entire season.
Grizzlies play the Warriors next while the Thunder play Miami next, a very tough game.
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