Their 133-123 triple-overtime victory Monday tied the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2 and restored the Thunder's home-court advantage. It also made up for Oklahoma City blowing a 16-point lead in the Game 3 loss.
GAME 4: Thunder win in 3OT to even series with Grizzlies
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"We know we can win here now, so it's a matter of us staying together and going out and playing well" at home, said Thunder sixth man James Harden, who had 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a three-pointer in the first overtime Monday to tie it at 117 with 1:07 left.
Game 5 is in Oklahoma City on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET,TNT).
The Grizzlies have been in this position this postseason. They had a chance to close out the first-round series against top seed San Antonio in five games, but a pair of spectacular shots by the Spurs forced overtime and Memphis eventually lost.christian louboutin sale
Monday, the Grizzlies were the ones defying the odds as Mike Conley and rookie Greivis Vasquez hit desperation three-pointers to force the first and second overtime periods. "We've got to come back as a desperate team now," Conley said. "Coming into Oklahoma City is not going to be easy to win."
The Thunder attacked the paint successfully in Game 4, outscoring the Grizzlies 56-50. "When we are aggressive and make extra passes, that's when we're a very good team," coach Scott Brooks said.
And point guard Russell Westbrook played under control, scoring 40 points and committing only three turnovers in 52 minutes after averaging six.
Kevin Durant played 57 minutes and Harden 50. Including Westbrook, they combined for 94 points. Grizzlies big men Zach Randolph (56 minutes) and Marc Gasol (57) totaled 60 points and 37 rebounds.
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