Geoff JohnsonThe Memphis Grizzlies seem to have the OKC Thunder number. They lead the series 3-1 after a furious comeback in game four and are separated by just one win to be in their first Western Conference final. Game five of the series is this Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET.
“We are a team that just plays hard and doesn’t quit,” coach Lionel Hollins said. “We scratch. We claw. They said grit and grind. I don’t know what the heck that means, but we go out and we just battle. We compete. We’re not the most talented team that’s in the playoffs when we started out. We’re not the most talented team that’s left in the playoffs. But we go and compete.”
The Grizzlies outscored the Thunder 9-3 in overtime and despite Durant scored 27 points during the entire matchup; he went 2-13 in the fourth quarter and couldn’t close the deal.
“It’s not over yet, and we understand that,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “It’s the first to four. They’re in a good position, but our challenge is not impossible. It’s something that we can do. We just have to focus one possession, one game at a time. Hopefully, we can do that and come back here Friday night. There’s a barbeque festival right?”
The Thunder is a four point favorite for game 5 and the total is set at 185. In terms of winning the series, the Grizzlies are a clear favorite listed -800, and a OKC turn around pays +550.
