Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant scored 19 points and Daequan Cook came off the bench for 18 years Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies -72 in the fifth game of their playoff series.
The resounding victory on Wednesday gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead series; marking the first time they led the second round best-of-seven NBA playoff.
“We played great defense. Everyone was in the air, shut up, “Durant said.” It was a group effort. ”
The Grizzlies will try to level the series in game six on Friday.
Russell Westbrook finished with 11 points and six assists, while five other players reached Thunder at least nine points.
Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with points, as their 72-point total equaled their low season 2010-11. The Grizzlies never led by more than six points.
Memphis, who left rebounded -33, looked like they were still trying to recover from an emotional triple overtime loss at home in game four.
“We are not sorry for ourselves. We must go home and regroup and be ready to play. The series is not over by any means … I still believe in my team and we’ll back, “Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said.
Memphis star Zach Randolph finished with just nine points after scoring points in the fourth game.
The Thunder started slowly, missing their first seven possessions of the game. They failed to score in the first three minutes of the first, but a lead of 46-35 at the half.
“We had a difficult start to the game, but we did a good job of being resilient and responded,” Durant said. “We made sure were reinvigorated tonight. We have a good level of confidence.”
Oklahoma City on a 15-2 run late in the first half thanks to a pair of slam-dunks by Durant and James Harden and a three-point Westbrook.
[Photo Credit: CELEBRITYIMG.COM]
