Oklahoma City Holds Off Memphis to Avenge Loss

The Grizzlies threatened late, but the Thunder responded to come away with a win.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma City Holds Off Memphis to Avenge Loss

Originally Published: Jan 8, 2011 9:52 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City held a lead for the entire fourth quarter, but had to weather a late-game storm to top the Grizzlies 109-100 Saturday.

The win not only snapped Memphis’ three-game win streak, but proved to be a bit of payback for the Thunder’s loss to the Grizzlies just four days earlier.

Oklahoma City led by six with just seven minutes left to play, but the Grizzlies offensive weapons wouldn’t go quietly.

Memphis strung together a 12-8 run – including six from Greivis Vasquez – to close the deficit to 95-93 with 3:46 left to play. Oklahoma City responded with a quick four points to push the lead back to six.

But Memphis would answer yet again, a Zach Randolph three-point play coupled with a Tony Allen free throw to pull back to a 99-97 disadvantage.

Then Kevin Durant took over.

The NBA’s reigning scoring champion knocked down a pair of free throws and a jumper from the top of the key in just 40 seconds to put the Thunder over the century mark and take a 103-97 lead. Oklahoma City converted on five free throws attempts – including two from Durant – to close the door on a Grizzlies’ comeback.

Durant finished the game with 40 points and eight rebounds, the game’s leading scorer, with Russell Westbrook adding 22 and 11 assists. Jeff Green scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Serge Ibaka contributing nine points and seven boards coming off of the bench.

Randolph set the pace for the Grizzlies with 27 points and 16 rebounds and Rudy Gay scored 20 on a 9-of-18 shooting night.

After the Thunder enjoyed an early lead, it devolved into a battle for Oklahoma City early in the second half.

Oklahoma City held a 55-49 lead two minutes into the third quarter, but Memphis scored eight points in little more than a minute to take a 57-55.

However after barely more than a minute had passed, Durant scored five straight to retake the lead. That would be the last time the Grizzlies held a lead.

A Durant three-pointer coupled with a pair of free throws extended Oklahoma City’s lead to eight points, but Memphis outscored the Thunder 6-2 in the closing minutes of the quarter to hold at 83-77.

Oklahoma City will take three days off before traveling to Houston to take on the Rockets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.