The Grizzlies suffered a tough loss on the second night of a back-to-back against the Thunder Wednesday night, 105-89.
Memphis won the first two meetings between the two teams this season. The Grizzlies and Thunder have met in the playoffs three of the past four years, and this matchup had the typical playoff intensity before Oklahoma City took charge late in the second quarter.
Zach Randolph scored 16 points and Jeff Green and Beno Udrih each added 11 for the Grizzlies, which had won 10 of 11 coming into the game.
All-Star Marc Gasol finished with just 8 points on 2-for-10 shooting.
A 15-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers by Durant, gave Oklahoma City a 60-42 lead late in the second quarter. Kevin Durant scored 19 points and Russell Westbrook added 18 in the first half to help the Thunder take a 66-48 lead.
Oklahoma City shot 57 percent from the field and made 18 of 19 free throws before the break. Randolph scored 14 points in the first half and made 5 of 8 shots, but the rest of the Grizzlies only made 13 of 42.
Oklahoma City took an 85-69 lead into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies rallied to cut the deficit to 13, but the Thunder responded with two consecutive buckets to make it a 99-82 lead with just under four minutes remaining.
Durant scored 26 points and Westbrook added 24 for the Thunder. Nick Collison contributed season highs of 15 points and nine rebounds Oklahoma City.
The Grizzlies will return to action following the All-Star break on Feb. 22 to face the Trail Blazers in Portland.
Key Stat of the Night
- The Thunder held the Grizzlies to 37 percent shooting.
Quotes
Player Notes
- Zach Randolph scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
- Jeff Green added 11 points.
- Beno Udrih had 11 points.
- Nick Calathes contributed 10 points and four assists.
Next Game:
Following the All-Star Break, the Grizzlies will travel to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8pm. Catch the action on SportSouth and 92.9FM ESPN Radio.
Next Home Game:
The Grizzlies will return to FedExForum on Feb. 27 to face the Clippers. First 5,000 fans will receive Grizzlies flip-flops.