Game 3 was ugly, but a win's a win. Memphis has leverage, but needs a Game 4 win even more.Winning Monday night would all but seal a series win & send a message to the rest of the league that Memphis is ready to compete for the league title. As a fan, I'm excited.
Monday night, I expect Durant to come out gunning. This could be the game he gets 40 or more, to keep his team afloat. He's been almost too unselfish, based on the lack of consistent production from his teammates. If he does get 40 or more, and someone else contributes 20, Oklahoma City could steal back home court advantage.
For Memphis, they got out-rebounded in Game 3. They can't let that happen any more if they expect to win. In addition, Randolph had difficulty offensively with Ibaka getting in his face. He needs to start driving to the rim, to get close-range shots & get his defender in greater foul trouble (Randolph had no FTA in Game 3, although Ibaka finished with 4 fouls). If Memphis can get Prince going on offense as well, OKC won't be able to double either Gasol or Randolph.
Memphis' defense has been stellar lately. Keep it up, OK?
My guess for Game 4 - Memphis 95, Oklahoma City 90. Prince gets off to a better start shooting, but it's canceled out by Allen's wild forays that result in wild shots and wild turnovers. Randolph does better on offense (around 17 points, with 11 rebs), but Conley and Gasol again prove to be the leaders offensively. Bayless, Pondexter and Arthur chip in with better shot selection on one end & continued defensive effort on the other. Bad shot selection hindered Memphis' second half offensive flow, so don't let it happen again.
If the Grizz win Game 4, the city is gonna go nuts, but have a care. Don't count too many chickens before they hatch.
After the Game: Memphis 103, Oklahoma City 97, in overtime. One of the biggest wins in Grizzlies' history, given what was at stake. Overcoming a 46-29 second quarter deficit, the team continued to grind away at the Thunder. No quit in this Memphis bunch.
For the Grizzlies, it was 36 field goals, 18/7 assist/turnover and 8 steals. Conley had 24 with 5 assists. Gasol had 23, 11 rebs and 6 blocks. Randolph added another 23 with 12 rebs. Yeah, it's becoming Conley's team.
For the Thunder, it was 34 field goals, 19/15 assist/turnover and 4 steals. Durant had 27, 7 rebs and 7 assists. Martin added 18, while Ibaka was resurgent with 17 with 14 rebs. Jackson had 15 with 8 assists, but 4 turnovers.
Both teams shortened their rotations to roughly 8 guys, so everyone who gets time must contribute right away. It was that way for Memphis, although Prince's reluctance to shoot is troubling. He doesn't have to be a gunner, but he has to score enough to open up the post for Randolph.
I saw the graphic on NBA TV, about Durant shooting 3/17 in the 4th/overtime the last two games. Is he tired? Is it Allen's defense? Some combination of the two?
This game was tough to watch at times, with Memphis' lethargic performance in the first quarter. They got away with it in this game, but they have to get off to better starts from now on if they harbor any hope of going deeper in the playoffs.
Game 5 is in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. Memphis had to guard against the "we've got it made" mentality. They need to come out on the road ready to play well. OKC will be a desperate bunch. Memphis much match that level of intensity. Don't take a home Game 6 for granted, but finish the Thunder right away.
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