Memphis' Game 4 overtime win was a victory serious contenders achieve. Some teams, up a game in the series, would have given up after being down 17 in the first half. Memphis teams in previous years would have rolled over and said "we'll get 'em in the next game" or "we beat 'em once at their place - we can do it again". Not so for this year's Grizz.
Wednesday's Game 5 is an elimination game for the Thunder. The team and their fans will come out, uh, thunderous (heh). There will be a sense of desperation on the floor and in the stands.
I want my team to win, finish this thing, get ready for the Western Conference Finals. In my gut, Oklahoma City will put on that one last stand, pull out one last victory for the home folks before their season ends.
I expect Durant to do what he did in Game 4, regarding being Mr. Everything for his team. He'll score, of course. He'll hit the boards, pass the ball, block shots as a weak-side or transition defender. He'll probably get that triple double on Wednesday night. Ibaka, Martin and Jackson will play at a high level as well. Their passion and productivity will make a difference. Whither Sefolosha, however? His numbers, while never great, have been negligible this series. Is it time for him to have a great two-way game? Possibly. Probably.
I think the Grizzlies will come out wanting to close out the series. They'll play hard as always. As much as they will want the win, the Thunder will need it.
I'd like to see Prince and Pondexter to have consistent offensive performances in this game. Even if they don't win, the Grizzlies need more production from their positions. That production will make the difference in a possible Game 6 of this series, and going forward in the playoffs.
My guess for a score, Oklahoma City 105, Memphis 93. The Thunder fans get one more chance to cheer their heroes.
After the Game: Memphis 88, Oklahoma City 84. It was statistically close as scoreboard-close. I found myself pacing the floor quite a bit in the fourth quarter.
For Memphis, it was 30 field goals, 18/9 assist/turnover and 9 steals. Randolph had 28 with 14 rebs, but missed three free throws late that made it closer than it needed to be. Conley had 13 with 11 assists (but 5/18 FG/A). Gasol added 10, 7 rebs and 3 blocks, despite a poor shooting night. As much as everyone talks about Westbrook's injury, Memphis didn't play a complete game. There was room for them to play even better.
For the Thunder, Durant had 21, but was 5/21 FG/A. Get that man some more help. Ibaka added 17, while Jackson added 16, 9 rebs and 5 assists. Look for that guy to make a big leap next year. He and Westbrook in the same back court can wreak havoc for years to come.
Memphis came out with a business-minded approach, and got a double-digit lead. They started the second half sloppy and unfocused. Yikes. Oklahoma City made several runs, as good teams do. Memphis did enough to hold on, but they showed some weaknesses. Especially late, the interior defense was burned by Oklahoma City's crisp passing. The Grizzlies need to work on that.
Anyway, on to the Western Conference Finals. It will be either San Antonio (my guess) or Golden State. That series starts this weekend, maybe? It promises to be fun. I can't wait.
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