The Memphis Grizzlies saw their best playoff run in franchise history end on Sunday as Kevin Durant exploded for 39 points to lead Oklahoma City to a 105-90 series clinching win.
Memphis’ inability to knock down shots cost them dearly in the decisive Game 7, shooting only 39.8 percent from the field.
During a stretch that included parts of the first and second quarters, the Grizzlies missed 18 of 23 shots and never recovered.
Meanwhile the Thunder were able to hit 48.1 percent of their shots, including 39.3 percent from three-point range.
After getting off to a slow start in which he made only two of his first eight shots, Durant put the Thunder on his back by making 11 of 17 the rest of the game.
Durant made four of his nine three point attempts, all nine of his free throw attempts and grabbed eight rebounds in leading the Thunder to the Western Conference finals against Dallas.
Despite their horrific shooting Memphis kept the game interesting, closing to within three points with 4:52 left in the third following a 3-pointer from Mike Conley.
But over the next 3:43, Oklahoma City went on a 14-2 run that all but ended the Grizzlies’ season. Memphis never got closer than 11 points for the rest of the game and fell behind by as many as 19 late in the fourth quarter.
Unlike their Game 6 win, the Grizzlies weren’t able to space the floor well enough to allow Zach Randolph room to operate. He scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but made only 6 of 15 from the field and never got into a rhythm.
Conley led the Grizzlies with 18 points on 7 of 19 shooting while O.J. Mayo had 14 points and Marc Gasol chipped in 12.
While the Grizzlies scored more points in the paint and turned the ball over fewer times during the series, Memphis’ poor shooting ultimately cost them.
The Grizzlies only made 40.5 percent of their shots during the seven-game series, six and-a-half percent less than their regular season average of 47.1.
Coupled with the Game 4 triple overtime loss in which they blew an 18-point lead, had Memphis been able to make a respectable amount of their field goal attempts, they would have advanced to face the Mavs.
Although the loss ended a great playoff run, Memphis has a lot to look forward to. The experience gained from this playoff run will prove invaluable as the team prepares for next season.
Over the next few days we’ll analyze the Grizzlies’ offseason and identify their needs leading into the 2011-12 season.
