After a strong defensive outing in Game 3, the Memphis Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and now have a chance to put a stranglehold on the series in Game 4.
The series has been a low-scoring one, and that favored Memphis on Thursday. Lionel Hollins got just enough production from Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen to outlast the Thunder.
Despite its rebounding success, Oklahoma City has several maladies to remedy, including the shooting woes of Serge Ibaka and the lack of facilitating from the supporting cast. Memphis will make life tough for the Thunder, but Scott Brooks' bunch will be equally determined to earn a road win to even the series.
Even though Oklahoma City notched 23 fast-break points, 51 rebounds and 44 points in the paint, it didn't come away with a victory in Game 3.
The Thunder had more turnovers (12) than assists (10), and shot 36 percent from the field. That's not a good recipe for a road win, so adjustments must be made for Game 4.
Memphis wasn't a model of offensive brilliance in Game 3, but the Grizzlies brought their usual defensive toughness, and they'll do it again in Game 4.
The question is whether OKC can get enough production outside of Durant. He was the only player to notch more than two assists, as he's the only player who can survey the floor while operating with the ball.
A combination of Tayshaun Prince and Tony Allen was able to slow down Durant enough to force other Thunder players into shots.
In Game 4, it's imperative for Serge Ibaka to find his offensive rhythm. His 6-of-17 shooting performance makes him 12-of-39 (31 percent) for the series. The much-improved outside shooting he was lauded for throughout the year has been nonexistent this week.
There's no room for error for either squad. Memphis doesn't want to head back to Oklahoma City tied 2-2, and the Thunder certainly don't want to go down 3-1.
The Durantula is unquestionably the star and best player in the series, as he leads all players in points (32 per game), rebounds (12.3) and assists (6.7).
His two missed free throws in the final minute prevented the Thunder from drawing within one possession of the Grizzlies, so he'll be under the microscope in the clutch in Game 4. Durant is the most sure-handed free-tosser in the game, so it shouldn't be an issue moving forward. But if he does happen to miss late again, it will be a big deal.
It will be interesting to see if he can break loose at all against Prince or Allen, because all it could take is a couple of quick outbursts for him to push OKC to 95-100 points.
Oklahoma City has relied heavily on Durant to pick up the slack lost when Russell Westbrook went down, but it also turned to Jackson for playmaking.
He enjoyed stretches of successful facilitating in the Houston Rockets series, including an eight-assist outing in Game 6. He has yet to create substantially for his teammates against the Grizzlies.
Jackson can make plays in the open floor and has been dangerous in transition lately, but he needs to execute in the half court. He must use his athleticism to draw help defense and find the open man.
If he can get a few putbacks and close attempts to fall early, it could help fuel his mid-range game. OKC can't afford for him to shoot 6-of-17 again. A 7-of-12 or 8-of-12 night is a realistic goal.
Defensively, Memphis fans can't ask for much better than what they're getting. The only area that needs to get cleaned up is the defensive glass, as OKC snatched 14 offensive boards in Game 3.
From a matchup standpoint, Hollins' unit is doing quite well against each Thunder attacker. The Grizzlies are also strong collectively, rotating efficiently and providing plenty of help defense in the paint.
When they have the ball, it's imperative for them to achieve balance and let Conley make good decisions. Gasol dropped 20 in Game 3, but they can't count on that kind of production throughout the series.
Conley needs to be an efficient quarterback, taking what the defense gives him, including jump shots. Ideally, Hollins would like him to attack, get the defense off balance and find Randolph in good position.
Randolph was effectively guarded by Ibaka for most of Game 3, and Memphis doesn't want him to post another single-digit night in Game 4. If he can score 18 to 24 to go along with Gasol's 15 to 20, Memphis can win this in the low 90s.
Memphis was fortunate to pull out Saturday's win, and that's on a night when Oklahoma City shot 28 percent from distance.
Why? Because Kevin Durant will raise his game, attack with purpose and poise and find them better shots. And then they'll do their part and finish the play.
Defensively, the Thunder have played well as a whole in this series. It's impressive considering Westbrook, their lethal perimeter stopper, is out.
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