Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder live 15 may 2013 nba basketball

                Memphis Grizzlies vsOklahoma City Thunder                                
                     United States:    NBA Basketball Play Offs
                        Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Tip Off 9:30pm
                                       2:30am (British Time)                                

The FedExForum must have had a sense of deja vu as Game 4 of their Western Conference Semi Final against the Oklahoma City Thunder went into overtime. Two years ago, at the exact same stage of the Play Offs, the Thunder beat the Grizzlies in triple overtime to level the series at 2-2, a series  they went on to win 4-3.

Russell Westbrook was the star of the show two years ago, but his absence continues to cast a shadow over this series. Without him, the Thunder couldn't hold off Memphis this time and they are now in a tough spot as they trail 3-1 in the series after their third consecutive loss.

Kevin Durant has been taking over the scoring, but he has struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime in the last two games, going just 3/17 from the field. He even missed three free throws at crucial times in those games and now has to improve his 1-3 record in elimination games, while the critics formerly on LeBron James' case have moved to him.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma City, they have struggled for someone else to take over the scoring down the stretch, an area where Westbrook really paid off in the past. Serge Ibaka found his shot in Game 4, but the likes of Derek Fisher and Kevin Martin struggled and the Thunder were shut down.

Oklahoma City had a 17 point lead in Game 4, but Memphis kept up the pressure and now are in a commanding position. However, the franchise is in uncharted territory as they have never played in the Western Conference Finals so there is no doubt they will have some pressure on their shoulders.

Lionel Hollins has also made his team aware that Oklahoma City are not to be under-estimated as they will be desperate in front of their own fans. The fact that all four games have been decided in the final two minutes suggests there is every chance the Thunder can find themselves back in this series and definitely force the issue to take the series back to Memphis.

Both teams are comfortable with the way the games have gone so far, so little adjustments are expected in Game 5 as both know what the other is capable of doing now.


                                        Head to Head


Memphis lead the season series 5-2 thanks to their win in Game 4.

The four games at the Chesapeake Arena have been split 2-2.


                                        Prediction


I am expecting another close game in the series and I think both teams are capable of making this a high-scoring encounter.

With Serge Ibaka finding his shot and both getting inside the paint to the foul line, the game could be extended, while they have been so closely matched that another overtime game isn't out of the question.

 

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