Memphis showed no signs of fatigue in their 114-101 Game 1 win over Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday, using the same formula for success that has carried them all season.
Everyone thought Memphis would be too tired against Oklahoma City after their Friday night series clinching win over San Antonio, but the Grizzlies were the team that had the most energy from the opening tap.
Memphis dominated the paint, outscoring the Thunder 52-38 and forced Oklahoma City into 18 turnovers while limiting their miscues to only 7.
As we pointed out in an earlier post highlighting the regular season series averages between the Thunder and Grizzlies, Memphis continued their trend of outscoring Oklahoma City in the paint and forcing more turnovers.
Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol absolutely abused the Thunder’s front line, combining for 54 points and 23 rebounds.
Oklahoma City’s Kendrick Perkins was a non-factor in the game, scoring two points and grabbing six rebounds in 29 minutes.
Serge Ibaka had a strong game for the Thunder, scoring 16 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking five shots. But he was basically by himself trying to keep Randolph and Gasol from controlling the paint.
Kevin Durant scored 33 points and Russell Westbrook added 29 to lead the Thunder, but Westbrook missed six makeable shots close to the basket and committed seven turnovers.
Meanwhile the Grizzlies’ Mike Conley scored 15 points, dished out seven assists and had no turnovers for the game. Tony Allen chipped in 12 points for Memphis and Shane Battier added 11 off the bench.
The different styles of play were evident as the Grizzlies ran their offense through Randolph and Gasol, while the Thunder took more perimeter shots.
And with Memphis forcing so many turnovers against the Thunder they were able to score 23 points off of Oklahoma City’s mistakes while the Thunder were only able to score eight points off of the Grizzlies’ giveaways.
Game 1 of this series dispelled any notions that Memphis’ first round win over San Antonio was a fluke.
The Grizzlies’ are proving they aren’t satisfied with simply advancing to the semifinals, and they’re clearly prepared to give Oklahoma City all they want.
Just as they did against San Antonio, Memphis took Game 1 on the road, shifting the home court advantage to the Grizzlies. Memphis is now 2-2 on the road during the 2011 NBA Playoffs and 3-0 at home.
Memphis will have a chance to take complete control of this series on Tuesday night when they face the Thunder in Game 2. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. central time and will be televised by TNT.
