Memphis Grizzlies

Thunder power through rough third quarter to beat Grizzlies

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:46 p.m. ET

Fansided, Tony Heim/FanSided via Thunderous Intentions

Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The OKC Thunder were able to stave off a strong Grizzlies third quarter to beat Memphis 114-102.

I don’t think I mentally could have handled another four-game losing streak. Especially the way the Thunder played in the first half-or at least the last 18 minutes of the half.

Oklahoma City took a 10-point lead into halftime behind a strong overall team performance. They scored 32 of their 58 points in the paint, shot 6-12 from three and Russell Westbrook only took 6 shots. It was pure team basketball.

But than everything fell apart in the third quarter.

Marc Gasol absolutely dominated Steven Adams down low which opened up cutting lanes and open threes for the Grizzlies. They finished 11-14 from the field, 2-4 from three; Gasol scored 10 on 5-6 shooting and assisted on two other baskets. Gasol finished the game with 31 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. By the end of the quarter, a 10-point Thunder lead had turned into a 2-point Memphis lead.

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	1	2	3	4	T
Thunder	21	37	22	34	114
Grizzlies	23	25	34	20	102

The fourth quarter began the same way, with Memphis slowly adding onto their lead. But then Russ subbed in with 8:44 left. The teams battled for the next six minutes until Westbrook drew a foul on Tony Allen. Russ came out the media timeout and proceeded to hit all three free throws, tying the game at 102.

That’s right folks. The Thunder ended this game on a 15-0 run. But it gets better.

in the final 2:35 of Thunder vs. Grizz, 15 points were scored. Russell Westbrook scored them all. pic.twitter.com/qWQxtzRPVO

— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) February 4, 2017

That man is absolutely incredible. I have no words to describe the final 2:34 of gametime. He was mesmerizing. And the Thunder thankfully won.

Players of note

Other interesting tidbits

This is one of many reasons why the entire state of Oklahoma loves Nick Collison. Pure hustle and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/VMSCJVLhYH

— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) February 4, 2017

Obviously it was for a reason, but nothing exactly made his head whip like that. But I enjoyed seeing Grit like that in a must-needed victory.

Must Read: Alex Abrines deserves more minutes and opportunities

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The win pulls the Thunder within a half game of the Grizzlies for sixth place in the West. Next up is a visit from the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Don’t worry folks, tipoff is scheduled for 2 pm central time so the Super Bowl will not be missed.