Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Memphis Grizzlies by 111-102 – NBA Playoffs update
The Oklahoma City fought back well and levelled their Playoff series by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies by 111-102 in the Game 2 played on Tuesday night, May 3rd at the FedEx Forum.
Kevin Durant scored 26 points for Oklahoma City and played a vital role in his side’s victory. James Harden appeared as another productive player for the Thunder and added 21 points to the total.
Oklahoma City lost Game 1 against the Grizzlies played on Sunday night by 101-114. After this win the series is tied one game each. They are scheduled to meet in the conference semifinals on Saturday night.
At the end of the game, coach Lionel Hollins said that his opponents played aggressively. He said they did well under pressure and their aggressive strategies lead to their victory. The Grizzlies came out and attacked right from the first minute.
Russell Westbrook added 24 points and Eric Maynor scored 15 points for Oklahoma City. On one occasion the Thunder’s bench took a 48-29 lead over the Memphis side. Scott Brooks said that the team was in the playoffs because the team did the hard work throughout
the regular season. He added that they had done the job well this time by taking the lead with their aggressive moves.
Mike Conley had a surprising game for Memphis and added 24 points that reduced the 21 points deficit to six in the fourth quarter of the closing moments. Gasol scored 13 points with 10 rebounds and Randolph, who was splendid in the first game, only added
15 points.
During the first quarter of the game the Thunder were outstanding as they took a lead of 11 points and ended the first quarter at 28-17. The remaining quarter were really challenging for both sides as all the quarters finished at not more than two points
difference. Memphis added 27 scores in the second quarter where as Oklahoma City added 26 points therefore they made it 54-44 at halftime. Similarly the third quarter game was also challenging and ended by adding 24 and 22 points. Likewise the final quarter
brought the sides into aggressive play and they added 34 and 35 points to put the final scores on the board.
The big run by the Thunder made them less afraid of the Grizzlies and they went for the kill. The final moves from Maynor and Cook in the last five minutes helped them finish off the game in winning fashion.
Marc Gasol said that the ongoing series would be physical test for all as it is going to be an extended series, which won’t be a simple deal for either side. Gasol added that he would rather go home in tears rather than lose 0-2.
Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka inclusion in the next game is uncertain for the third game because he was injured Game 2. Ibaka who has been famous for blocking shots for the Thunder in the NBA seasons, suffered from a right knee injury in the final minutes
of the first half. He returned in the third quarter after ice therapy on both knees and said that he was fine during the game.
Tags: