THUNDER - MEMPHIS PREVIEW: It All Comes Down to This
It all comes down to this.
Two upstart teams face off in Oklahoma City, as the Thunder host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Thunder will look to bounce back on their home court against a Grizzlies team many thought had no chance to come this far.
Because of another excellent performance from Zach Randolph, and an impressive effort from new starter O.J. Mayo, the Grizzlies fought back from a big deficit in Game Six to send this game to the limit.
The Grizzlies have made great strides over the season, especially after the injury to leading scorer Rudy Gay. When Gay was lost for the season after having major shoulder surgery, many thought the Grizzlies would not make the playoffs.
But Memphis proved that their resiliency in Gay's absence, and are one game away from the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder, meanwhile, were the dark horse favorites to come out of the West. Should Oklahoma City lose today, it would be a harsh setback for an organization that had a great chance to appear in the Finals when many figured the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs were the favorites.
The Thunder will need a big performance from Kevin Durant. The regular-season scoring champion was contained after picking up two early fouls.
Memphis will need to frustrate Durant. The Thunder do not have other serious scoring options beyond Durant and point guard Russell Westbrook.
Oklahoma City Arena is known for their enthusiastic fans, and they will be in full force to cheer their Thunder to a Wild West Showdown with the Dallas Mavericks.
The game should come down to how well each team can contain Durant and Randolph.
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