Instead of overtime, fans in Memphis received a blowout. With Kevin Durant exploding on Thursday night, the Thunder staved off elimination and forced a Game 7 in Oklahoma City with a win, 104-84.
Thunder vs. Grizzlies final score, NBA playoffs 2014: Durant, Westbrook dominate Memphis to force Game 7
Oklahoma City performed marvelously in their elimination game on the road with the first blowout win of the series.
Oklahoma City came out of the gates determined. They allowed the Grizzlies just 17 points in the first quarter, and they scored 31 points of their own in the second. Kevin Durant, likely fueled by accusations that the Thunder have relied on him too much to score the ball, turned on the jets on his way to picking apart Memphis.
Starting to think Russell Westbrook’s knee is just fine.
Durant broke out for 36 points on 11-of-23 shooting, missing all his three-pointers but shooting 15 free throws. The Thunder All-Star forward made it a point to get to the line against the Grizzlies, who have been stingy all series on defense.
Zach Randolph was efficient offensively, but was limited on the glass to a surprisingly-low eight rebounds. The Thunder were dominant in rebounding, finishing the night with a margin of 47-36 over Memphis.
The Grizzlies were led by Marc Gasol, who had 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including five rebounds, four assists and a steal. James Johnson scored 15 points off the bench, grabbing five boards in the process. The only other Memphis starter in double-digits was Randolph, who had 16 points.
For Oklahoma City, Durant was supplemented by Russell Westbrook's 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson provided a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points while adding five rebounds, two assists and a block. Durant also had 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block to go with his 36 points.
Game 7 will be on Saturday in Oklahoma City.
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