marc gasol
Marc Gasol was a major presence on both offense and defense in Game 3. Reuters

The Memphis Grizzlies escaped with a home victory on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, 87-81.

The Grizzlies led by 10 points in the second quarter, but the Thunder kept the game close in a defensive battle. Memphis shot just 40.5 percent, while the Thunder shot 36.4 percent.

Center Marc Gasol led Memphis with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. The starting backcourt of Mike Conley Jr., and Tony Allen each scored 14 points.

Jerryd Bayless and Quincy Pondexter were key contributors off the bench, shooting a combined nine for 18 from the field for a total of 20 points.

The Thunder kept the game close, but failed to capitalize on key possessions. Kevin Durant, who is a career 88.4 percent free-throw shooter, missed two free throws in the final minute, and Derek Fisher's pull up 28-foot three-point shot moments later was off the mark. Oklahoma City failed to score in the final minute and 57 seconds of the game.

Durant led the Thunder in scoring and rebounding with 25 points on nine-of-19 shooting, to go along with 11 rebounds.

Game Four will take place at FedEx Forum on Monday night.

Basketball