For the fourth consecutive game, the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder went into overtime, making it the first time in NBA history teams have played four straight playoff overtime games. Also in that history-making game, Thunder’s Derek Fisher set a new NBA record making his 245th playoff appearance. Memphis defeated OKC 100-99 in a controversial, nail-biter of a game. 

The Grizzlies took the court wearing their warm-up shirts inside out in a show of solidarity with the LA Clippers, their bitter rivals – class act! Memphis started the game with a 10-2 in the first minutes of the game. Being up as much as 20 points, the Grizzlies led the entire game until about six minutes left in the fourth quarter after a 20-4 OKC run. In the final 30 seconds of regulation, Thunder’s Kevin Durant stole the ball from Mike Conley to tie the game at 90. Zach Randolph made a shot a half second after time expired. In overtime, Mike Miller hit two three-pointers and Conley scored the winning basket putting Memphis up 100-99. Durant missed a three-pointer and Serge Ibaka’s putback was a nanosecond after the final buzzer. 

The Grizzlies had their highest scoring first half of the series. Mike Miller, who chose Memphis over OKC in free agency, was the star of the night for the Grizzlies leading the team with 21 points off the bench. Miller had five three-pointers, two in overtime and three in the second quarter when he went four-for-four with 11 points. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol each had double-doubles with 20 points and 10 rebounds and 11 points and 15 rebounds respectively. Mike Conley added 17 points.

OKC superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continued to struggle with their shots. Durant was 10-24 scoring 26 points. Westbrook had his ninth career triple-double with 30 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, but was only 10-31.

The Grizzlies are now up 3-2 in the first round playoff series heading back home to Memphis to finish off the Thunder. Tipoff is 7pm cst tomorrow, Thursday May 1st, and I will be there! Follow me on Twitter @DeenasDays for all the action! Believe Memphis!

(Photo Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images)