Kevin Durant lead as Oklahoma City Thunder overpower Memphis Grizzlies 101-94: NBA Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder ended Memphis Grizzlies dream run last season by beating them in the Western conference semi finals.
And this season, they continue to cause problems for them again.
Before Friday, both teams had met twice in the condensed season and on both occasions, Thunder ended up as the winners. On Friday night, Grizzlies and Thunder were in the same court for the third time and unfortunately for Grizzlies,
the result was the same.
Memphis started solidly and after dominating the first two quarters, ended the first half of the game with a 6 point lead 50-44. Thunder made a valiant comeback by rattling an 11-6 spurt in the opening minutes of the third frame
to get within a striking distance, behind by just 1 point 55-56. However, Grizzlies regained their domination in the ensuing passage with a 12-4 run and then maintained the lead until the end of frame to finish it at 77-69.
Thunder started the deciding frame brilliantly with a 15-4 spurt that not only helped them in eliminating the deficit but, took them ahead of the Grizzlies 84-81. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook kept firing in the next few minutes
to ensure Thunder maintained a significant lead.
With almost two minutes remaining, Thunder were 5 points ahead 92-87, but the game was not over by any means as Grizzlies fuelled a 7-2 spurt, capped by a Mike Conley trey to make it anyone’s game, with scores tied at 94 all.
After that however, it was all Kevin Durant, who single handedly initiated a deciding 7-0 run to seal the game for Thunder.
Durant was superb throughout and marshalled the Thunder with a game high 36 points on 14-for-24 from the floor and 10 boards. James Harden pounded 24 points on 8-for-13 from the floor including 4 for 6 from the long range while
Westbrook finished with 21 points and 7 dimes for Thunder, who shot 47.9% from the floor.
Marc Gasol, (9 for 12) from the floor, led the Grizzlies with 24 points and 8 boards. Rudy g*y netted 23 points and pulled down 8 rebounds while Tony Allen bundled 17 points. O J Mayo too chipped in with 13 points on 3 for 7 from
the charity stripe.
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