Thursday, March 21, 2013

Oklahoma City vs Memphis: Big Point by Marc Gasol for the Win in OT






  This was a game of Western Conference contenders, as the Oklahoma City Thunder flew to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. The match up was filled with lots of intensity and felt like a playoff game,as Marc Gasol tipped in Zach Randolph’s miss with 0.9 seconds left to give the Grizzlies the win in OT, 90-89. Memphis shot very well in the first half to give them a 10 point lead, although Oklahoma City started to make a run, the Grizzlies managed to maintain their lead, 44-38 as they headed into half time. Mike Conely scored 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assist. Jerryd Bayless had a big game off the bench with 20 points. The big men, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph both finished with double-doubles, Randolph, 15 points and 18 boards Gasol, 14 points and 15 rebounds. Going into the third quarter, Kevin Durant and Kevin Martin had 10 points apiece at the start, while Zach Randolph had 12 points for Memphis. This game was all about defense for the Grizzlies, as the held one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league to a season low, 35.7%. For Oklahoma City Kevin Durant had 32 points and 8 rebounds, Russell Westbrook, 20 points and  Kevin Martin with 17 points. Kendrick Perkins didn't contribute too much on the offensive end, but grabbed 16 boards. In the third quarter, Kevin Durant began to take over offensively, scored 13 straight points, finishing with 15 total giving his team a 57-56 lead. Entering the fourth, Marc Gasol was fouled; he made his two free throws, giving Memphis the lead 58-57. Oklahoma City stayed aggressive in the second half after poor shooting in the first. Both teams battled in the fourth quarter, which included 14 lead changes and 4 ties. With 3.7 seconds left in regulation, Jerryd Bayless hit a big 3-pointer, and the battle continued in overtime. Tabo Sefolosha hit the first two points in overtime on a pair of free-throws for Oklahoma City. Memphis followed with scoring the next 5 points. Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook responded with the next following points for the lead, 89-88. But Memphis wasn't done yet, as Marc Gasol tip-in finishes the game.

The Grizzlies win the season series against the Thunder, 2-1. They are currently tied for third in the playoffs for the western conference with the Clippers, trailing Oklahoma City by 4 games and are just a half-game ahead of the high-flying Denver Nuggets. Next for them is tomorrow night in New Orleans to take on the Hornets.

Oklahoma City Thunder is still looking to snatch the number one spot from the Spurs. I’m sure they will continue to fight as they are now 1 ½ game behind them. They continue on the road to Orlando…

-@SarahTresChic15

No comments:

Post a Comment