Clawing Back: Grizzlies Even Series With Thunder

It was one of the wildest games ever played in Chesapeake Energy Arena, but the Thunder came out on the wrong side. <br />

Monday, April 21st 2014, 11:22 pm

By: News 9


1-1. Bearly.

It was one of the wildest games ever played at The 'Peake.  The Thunder used an improbable comeback to send Monday night's Game 2 into a dramatic overtime, but it wasn't quite enough. 

The gritty Grizzlies had a little too much in the end, holding on for a 111-105 upset win in Oklahoma City. 

Notorious Thunder-killer Mike Miller drained a 3-ball with 53 seconds left to give his Memphis Grizzlies a 95-93 lead.

Memphis extended that lead to 98-93 with just 18 seconds to go, and the Thunder's hopes looked bleak.

But then the magic happened.

With 13 seconds left, and after a near turnover, the ball found its way to Durant in the corner. Durant was bumped to the floor by Marc Gasol, but as he fell to the ground, Durant hoisted up a prayer – and it was answered. The ball went through and Durant completed the 3-point play, bringing OKC within one.

Then, after Mike Conley made one of two free throws, the Thunder had one last chance to tie or win. With just seconds left, Westbrook hoisted a wild 3-ball and missed it long, but the unlikeliest of heroes, Kendrick Perkins, grabbed the ball and layed it in as time expired.

The game-tying shot was a heroic moment for the much-maligned Perkins, who threw his hand in the air and was mobbed by his teammates.

Somehow, the Thunder had forced overtime.

Memphis took an early advantage in the extra session, but a KD free throw tied the game at 105-105 with 35 seconds to play.

But that was OKC's final point of the game. Memphis scored six straight points and took a 111-105 lead with just nine seconds left, and the Thunder was out of miracles.

Durant finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds, while Westbrook added 29, eight assists and seven boards. Serge Ibaka scored 15 to go with 11 rebounds and five blocks. 

Reggie Jackson struggled mightily. The Thunder's sixth man scored just two points on 0-5 shooting.

Zach Randolph's 25 points and six rebounds led Memphis, while Gasol and Courtney Lee each chipped in 16.  Conley finished with 19 points, but the Grizzlies' X-factor was the play of reserve guard Beno Udrih.

Only playing because of Nick Calathes' suspension, Udrih scored 14 points on 6-8 shooting, providing the Grizzlies with a huge boost. 

Mike Miller added nine points and six boards while former OSU Cowboy Tony Allen added eight points and eight boards, but more importantly played excellent defense on Durant. 

The Thunder struggled from the floor, shooting just 39.8 percent and 9-30 from downtown. Memphis shot 49.4 percent from the floor and 4-10 from 3. 

Game 3 is Thursday night in Memphis. 

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