The Memphis Grizzlies weren’t able to match their formulas for success in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against Oklahoma City, losing 111-102 to the Thunder.
Unlike their Game 1 win in which they dominated the paint and limited their turnovers, Memphis only scored 34 points in the paint in Game 2 and committed 16 turnovers.
The Thunder deserve credit for keeping the Grizzlies out of their comfort zone for the entire game. Oklahoma City played more aggressively and shot the ball well, making 52.8 percent of their shots from the field including 57.1 percent from three-point range.
Although Memphis outrebounded the Thunder 38-34, the Grizzlies attempted too many shots outside of their normal range. Memphis only connected on 44.3 percent of their shots from the field and were never able to establish their interior game.
Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol were ineffective in Game 2 mostly as a result of the Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka playing strong defense.
Randolph and Gasol dominated Game 1 on Sunday combining for 54 points and 23 rebounds, but in Game 2 the pair could only muster 28 points and 19 boards.
Oklahoma City placed emphasis on limiting Randolph and were very successful in keeping him in check. Memphis’ go-to guy was held to just 2 of 13 shooting from the field and finished with 15 points, more than eight points below his playoff average.
The Thunder got more production from their bench in Game 2, with James Harden scoring 21 points and Eric Maynor tossing in 15. Oklahoma City’s bench combined for 16 points in Game 1, but exploded for 48 points in Game 2.
Memphis was led by Mike Conley’s 24 points and was followed by O.J. Mayo with 16 off the bench. Gasol added 13points and 10 rebounds while Sam Young chipped in 12 points.
The Thunder were led by Kevin Durant with 26 points and Russell Westbrook added 24. The two combined for 17 of 38 from the field and 13 for 16 from the free throw line.
The series moves to Memphis tied at one game apiece, and the Grizzlies will try to keep their perfect home record intact during the playoffs.
Memphis defeated San Antonio in all three home games during the first round and can take control of the series against the Thunder if they can get two wins at home.
Game 3 is set for Saturday at FedEx Forum with tip-off at 4:00 p.m. central.
