NBA playoffs 2014, Thunder vs. Grizzlies final score: Kevin Durant closes out Memphis in 100-86 Game 1 victory
The Thunder got out to an early lead, but Memphis pushed back to make it a close game. Then Kevin Durant finished the fight.
Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder managed to hold on in a 100-86 Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Oklahoma City led by as many as 25 points, but a huge third-quarter surge from Memphis cut the Thunder's lead to four going into the final 12 minutes.
The Thunder pulled ahead by re-establishing their transition offense in the fourth quarter. Kevin Durant put on the finishing touches, scoring 13 points to close out the game and lead the Thunder to a 1-0 series lead. He finished Game 1 with a game-high 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Russell Westbrook started the game hot in his first playoff game since suffering a knee injury last postseason. Westbrook scored 12 points in the first quarter, pushing the pace and draining jumpers to open the game. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-19 shooting.
Durant and Westbrook combined for 35 points through the first half and propelled the Thunder to a huge lead going into halftime. The Grizzlies defense turned the game around in the third quarter, though, holding the Thunder to 18 percent shooting and forcing five turnovers.
Tony Allen had a phenomenal game, playing tough defense while chasing around both Durant and Westbrook. Zach Randolph was a key reason the Grizzlies offense was able to make a third quarter push, but his late-game foul trouble hurt Memphis. He was called for his fifth foul at the 9:52 mark of the fourth quarter and had to sit-out crucial minutes. Randolph finished the game with 21 points. Mike Conley had a double-double, scoring 16 points and dishing out 11 assists.
Oklahoma City was the only team to win at home through the first day of playoff basketball. The Thunder host Game 2 Monday.
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