Grizzlies survive regulation collapse, down Thunder in overtime to take 2-1 series lead
The Memphis Grizzlies blew a 17-point fourth quarter lead in Game 3 of their opening round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but came back to win 98-95 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead.
The Grizzlies' offensive ineptness and some silly fouls by Tony Allen helped the Thunder back into the game in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies would batten down the hatches in overtime to seal the victory.
Kevin Durant: 0 for 8 from 3-point range, 2nd-most misses without a make from 3 in his career ... pic.twitter.com/8DkzVC988Y
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 25, 2014
Star Performer
Offense wasn't always easy to come by for the Grizzlies, as the team went scoreless from the 7:43 mark in the fourth quarter to the 0:45 mark in the period. One consistent source of offense was Mike Conley.
He paced the team with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, filling out his stat line with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Turning Point
The Thunder took all of the momentum into overtime after closing regulation on a 21-4 run. Oklahoma City scored the first three points in the extra session on an and-1 from Kevin Durant, but from there, the Grizzlies went on a game-deciding 8-0 run.
Conley scored five points on that 8-0 Grizzlies run in overtime to help put the team ahead for good.
Highlight Reel
The Grizzlies appeared to have the game all but sewn up in the closing moments of regulation, leading by four points with the Thunder in desperation mode, when Tony Allen chose a very bad time to foul Russell Westbrook.
That four-point play from Westbrook tied the game at 85, and after both sides missed a chance for points on their final possession in overtime, the game went into overtime tied at 85.
Quote of the Night
Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph spoke with official Monty McCutchen before the game, after Perkins made an inquiry as to how strict the officiating would be in an exchange that was shown on the TNT broadcast.
"Me and him been banging a lot, sometimes we ain't in play and sometimes we're locking up each other." Perkins said.
Series at a glance
Game 1: OKC 100, MEM 86 (Thunder lead 1-0)
Game 2: MEM 111, OKC 105 (OT) - (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: MEM 98, OKC 95 (OT) - (Grizzlies lead 1-0)
Game 4: Saturday, April 26 - 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Tuesday, April 29 - TBA
Game 6: Thursday, May 1 - TBA
Game 7: Saturday, May 3 - TBA