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The Oklahoma City Thunder (34-11) take on the Memphis Grizzlies (29-15) tonight at Chesapeake Arena in what the Thunder would like the call a redemption game-as they lost to the Grizzlies 107-97 in early November.
Thunder's previous game: The Thunder lost to the Lakers 105-96 in a back-and-forth game that had 18 lead changes and 16 ties. Despite the Thunder dominating the season-series early, grabbing a 2-0 lead over the Lakers in a decisive manner, they were held back scoring wise by Russell Westbrook who shot 2-12 in the first half, despite having 9 assists. The game was close throughout 3 1/2 quarters, until the Lakers went on an 11-4 run late in the fourth to steal the game.
Last meeting: Kendrick Perkins remembers this night all too well. After some exchanging of words and shuffling with Zach Randolph, Perkins was ejected along with Randolph - Who allegedly went into the Thunder locker room after the game to confront Perkins and had to be asked to leave by a police officer who was on duty in the stadium. Z-Bo was fined by the league for a hefty $25,000 - but did not miss any games due to the incident. You can watch how the incident unfolded here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHOVd7Ix0P8
Things are different this time, though. Memphis made a huge deal today trading their super-star Rudy Gay, who's averaging (17 points on 40% shooting, both career-lows since his rookie season) to the Toronto Raptors for Ed Davis and point guard Jose Calderon. The Memphis front office then traded Jose Calderon to the Detroit Pistons for the 2004 NBA Champion Tayshaun Prince and 6'11 Austin Daye.
The Grizzlies are coming off a close 103-100 win over the 76ers, where Rudy Gay posted 26 points on 10-17 shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds for his last game in a Memphis uniform. the 76ers got out to a quick 17 point lead after making all 7 of their field goals to start the game, but Memphis was able to level the playing field out-scoring Philly 37-21 in the second quarter. The 76ers Dominated the paint in the third quarter, scoring 12 points opposed to just 4 for Memphis, but they were unable to finish out the game as Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay combined for 13 4th quarter points on 5/8 shooting.
The Grizzlies are 5-2 coming into Tonight's game and possess one of the most dominate and effective front courts in the league, who rank 2nd in the league in offensive rebounding. Their franchise player in Zach Randolph has been in a shooting slump the last 10 games, as he's shooting just 39% - but still manages to average a double-double, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds.
With the recent roster changes to the Memphis roster - losing one of their key offensive pieces in Gay, it is hard to see Oklahoma City struggling too much at home after a 3-3 road game slump. If the Thunder bigs can stay stay strong down low and keep the paint protected, OKC has a good chance at winning.
Thunder Essentials:
Rebounding - The Griz are ranked 12th in the league in rebounding right behind OKC at 10th. In order for OKC to have a chance at winning they have to secure rebounds and box out successfully. Z-bo and Marc Gasol are absolute beasts on the boards, and will make you pay with 2nd chance points if you allow them to grab offensive rebounds.
Russell Westbrook - Russell is always a key for the Thunder to be Successful, but with his 37% road game shooting slump, it's hard for the Thunder to win consistently. If Russell can come out and attack the basket - facing a less athletic Mike Conley - and can stay efficient, the Thunder are in good shape no matter what.
3 Ball - Spacing the floor will be important for the Thunder tonight. They rank 3rd in the league in 3-point shooting, and are facing a Grizzlies team that has a poor perimeter defense, allowing a 35% average for opponents. This goes back to Russ - If he's on top of his game and can find K-Mart and Thabo wide open on the three point line, the two 40% shooters will take care of business.
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