Oklahoma City Thunder overcomes Memphis Grizzlies 114-102 as Westbrook dominates the fourth quarter

boxscore|Grizzly Bear Blues

The home-standing Oklahoma City Thunder erased mounting anxieties by outlasting a determined Memphis Grizzlies squad 114-102.

Russell Westbrook’s surreal game-ending 15-0 scoring tear cancelled OKC’s three-game winless drought. Additionally, the six-time All-Star netted triple-double #25 of his notable campaign —while punishing Memphis with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.

Westbrook’s clutch display also included a pair of icy triples to downturn the Grizzlies’ chances in the teams’ third meeting on the year.

To accentuate Westbrook’s heroics, Oklahoma City’s bench added 45 points on 16-of-24 shooting. Reserves Joffrey Lauvergne (16), Anthony Morrow (15), and starter Steven Adams (16 points, 13 rebounds) each offered vital contributions to bring the Chesapeake Energy Arena faithful to a frenzied pitch.

The Thunder won the battle of the boards 48-29, while outscoring the Grizzlies 25-9 in second-chance points.

Amid a felled three-game unbeaten run, Memphis was led by Marc Gasol’s 31 points. Mike Conley (18), and Zach Randolph (16) each demonstrated grit throughout a competitive, yet unsuccessful endeavor.

With the win, Oklahoma City’s record improves to 29-22. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies drop to 30-22.

Thunder Pro’s

• Joffrey Lauvergne’s overall performance. Lauvergne connected on 3-of-4 outside attempts, and grabbed a workman-like eight rebounds.
• OKC’s three-point shooting: The team finished 13-of-29 from deep.
• Cameron Payne’s scoring: Payne finished with an efficient nine points, and cut his careless mistakes to a minimum.
• Thunder Bench: Excellent showing in the wake of Kanter’s injury. This is the resilience and resourcefulness that has defined the better moments of Oklahoma City’s season.
• Russell Westbrook: Because, Westbrook.
• Nick Collison: “Hair Jordan” upped the Thunder’s overall intensity against the physical Grizzlies.

Thunder Woes

• Free-Throw shooting: The Thunder left a significant eight points at the line on 25-33 foul shooting.
• Domantas Sabonis: This easily was the rook’s worst game of the year. Domas committed five turnovers, two fouls, and shot just 1-of-4 in eleven minutes of play.
• Victor Oladipo’s FG%: 3-of-14 FGM isn’t optimal.
• Turnovers: Save for Westbrook’s monster fourth-quarter, the Thunder almost gave this game away, literally.

Star of the Show

• Thunder bench/Russell Westbrook: The Oklahoma City Thunder do not win this contest without the bench and Westbrook adamantly refusing to wilt as Memphis made a strong run.

Game Notes

• Alex Abrines (Back Spasms) missed his third straight contest.
• OKC now sports a 17-7 home record.
• The Thunder avoided their first four-game losing streak since mid Nov.
• Oklahoma City holds a 2-1 season-series lead over Memphis.
• Russell Westbrook now has 62 career triple-doubles (5th all time).
• Westbrook made all 17 free-throw attempts vs. Memphis

In summary, tonight’s victory could serve as a touchstone moment for a reeling Oklahoma City Thunder collective. This is the kind of edifying achievement that breeds momentum.

We will see if that momentum accompanies OKC into Sunday’s 3 PM ET home tilt vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.