The Memphis Grizzlies have not been holding back against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While many expected the Thunder to walk away with the Round One series win, Memphis is tired of not being viewed as real contenders and is using this stretch to prove they are worthy of a Western Conference run. With the series tied 2-2, who will get the pivotal Game 5 win?
Memphis has been giving the Thunder headaches but it is not due to the aggressive play from Zach Randolph. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins have been taking care of the defensive play against Randolph who is only averaging a 36 shooting percentage after averaging 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds during the regular season. Perkins and Ibaka have proved to be a tough combination for Randolph who cannot handle the strength and athletic pairing.
In Game 4, Randolph was quiet. He went just 5 of 14 from the field. In Game 1 he was just 7 of 21 before bouncing back in Game 2 and then falling against in Game 3 and 4. If the Memphis is going to win this series, Randolph has to find a way to adjust to the Oklahoma defense. His rebound average has dropped to 8.5 per game. Not to mention his free throws where he is just 19 of 30 on the series.
Ibaka might have only ranked fourth in defensive standings during the regular season, but in the playoffs he has been a different player. He has looked more athletic while putting up at least four blocks in each game. He has kept Randolph out of his comfort zone while Mike Conley and Mark Gasol have been forced to make up the scoring deficit. The Thunder are looking to gain the series lead before shutting Memphis down on the road.
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