MEMPHIS -- The Thunder returns to work today, eager to put its focus on Game 4 and trying to accomplish what it set out to do before leaving Oklahoma City: win one game in Memphis.
Do that Monday night, and its best-of-seven playoff series with the Grizzlies will be tied at two games apiece. Game time is 8:30 p.m. Central and will air live on TNT and the Thunder Radio Network.
No doubt, a win would also ease the sting of Game 3 – a 101-93 overtime defeat on Saturday. The Thunder had a 13-point lead going into the fourth quarter but scored only 10 points in the final 12 minutes of regulation and was outscored 15-7 in overtime.
“We played well for most of the game,” Thunder forward Nick Collison said. “We obviously had a really bad stretch; too many turnovers that led to run-outs where we couldn’t guard them on the other end.
“It’s just a real disappointing finish for us. The quicker we can get over it and realize that we need to win one game here -- and we can still do that -- the better. If we win Game 4, then we’ll still be in good shape. As disappointing as it is, we need to get over it quickly and be ready to play in Game 4.”
The Thunder will spend its time between games breaking down its execution on the offensive end. Head Coach Scott Brooks has stressed throughout the playoffs the heightened importance of “taking care of the basketball,” “playing good defense” and not sending opponents to the free-throw line.
Saturday, the Thunder had four turnovers in the fourth quarter and two in overtime and sent the Grizzlies to the foul line 15 times in that final 17 minutes.
“I thought it was execution on our part,” Brooks said when asked about the fourth quarter. “A lot of it was to do with their defense. They did a really good job of pressing up and forcing us to make tough shots.
“One of the strengths of our team is bouncing back and figuring out ways to get better. We came up here thinking we have to win one game. To eventually take back home court, we have to win one game. We have another shot at it Monday.”