After the Oklahoma City Thunder's exhilarating Game 1 make an impression on the Memphis Grizzlies, hoops fans can't wait to see what the remainder of the line has available. Kevin Durant's clutch jumper with 11.1 seconds remaining took the game from Lionel Hollins' team, which arrived to Chesapeake Arena and gave OKC a shock. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol each notched double-doubles, and Memphis light emitting diode early and often, nonetheless it wasn't enough to defeat Durant's 35 items and late heroics. While Durant proved they can hold the Thunder past great groups, it is planning to be burdensome for him to duplicate the result in Game 2, as the Grizzlies will certainly tighten the screws defensively. Game 2 Time: Tuesday, May 7, 9:30 p.m. ET Where:AChesapeake Energy Industry, Oklahoma City, Okla. Line Record:A1-0 Mastery TV:ATNT Sport 2 Key Storyline: May Thunder Regulate and Decrease Kevin Durant? The Memphis Grizzlies performed a solid game plan and built an excellent team effort in Game 1, however they were trumped by Durant's 35 factors, 15 rebounds and six assists. Using its measurement, physicality and slow speed, Memphis could build the sort of pace good to its success. But, Durant constantly found the angles and glimpses of sunlight necessary to knock down pictures. He did the majority of his destruction from mid-range, and that's a difficult area for defenses to protect, specially against a 6'9" point forward. Fortunately for Grizzlies fans, Lionel Hollins brings the NBA's top-ranked defensive system of 2012-13, and it's certain to throw some new talks about Durant. Series Star So Far: Kevin Durant With just one game in the books in this series, Durant may be the early front-runner for series MVP. I'm much less impressed by the 35 points or the game-winning shot. What's more striking is he shot 50 percent despite a large level of efforts (26) and dealt six facilitates through the entire game. After five games without his partner Russell Westbrook, he is really developed into his place forward part and appreciated the challenge of carrying the Thunder through the postseason. You can find only a select few players who can single-handedly lead their teams to the NBA Finals, and Durant is one. Can he repeat this kind of performance for the remainder of the line? That's hard to ask of anyone. Estimated Starting Lineups Oklahoma City:AReggie Jackson, PG; Thabo Sefolosha,ASG;AKevin Durant, SF; Serge Ibaka, PF; Kendrick Perkins, H Memphis:AMike Conley, PG; Tony Allen,ASG; Tayshaun King, SF; Zach Randolph, PF; Marc Gasol, H Mastery Injury ReportA( viaACBSSports.com) Russell Westbrook (leg), out for year Grizzlies Harm Statement No incidents noted Mastery Will Gain If... Durant makes good choices and his teammates hit down open images. After his Game 1 barrage, Memphis will surely produce a point to get the ball out of his hands and push his teammates to defeat them. When the Grizzlies double-team and get real with Durant, she must make the right study, whether it is a, kick-out or dish to the inside. At that time, it is up to his allies to keep consitently the offense running smoothly and complete plays. There are numerous ready score weapons, including Reggie Jackson and Kevin Martin, and they'll be called upon to accomplish. Furthermore, spot-up shooters such as for example Thabo Sefolosha and Derek Fisher must bring their finest material. For them to combine for 10 to 12 field-goal attempts again look. Defensively, the emphasis is on containing Mike Conley and the twin towers. OKC should regard Randolph and Gasol's jumpers while limiting the transmission of Conley. Grizzlies May Gain If... Conley gets straight back on course and they reduce Durant's damage. In Game 1, floor standard Conley shot 5-of-15 from the floor and dished only three assists. He did an excellent job to getting in to the paint, and then made many questionable conclusions once he got there (such as, getting tough photos). It should be his personal goal not to accept wild, competitive photographs in the street, but rather facilitate and get some of the role players more concerned. The Grizzlies may earn a split in the collection when they make life problematic for Durant and then switch efficiently when he gives the ball up. They'll take great shape, if they can keep him under five assists and 30 points. Forecast When push concerns leave (literally), Memphis grows when playing actual. And that's just what it can do when Game 2 recommendations off Tuesday. Tony Allen and Tayshaun Prince can do their utmost to frighten Durant, while Randolph and Gasol lock down the color. The Grizzlies presented a attack in Game 1, however they provides a better version of that attack in Game 2. Why? Since Conley and Randolph will bounce right back from poor firing times, and Jerryd Bayless will check out do more damage in change than he did Sunday. It'll be tough for Durant and Martin to combine for 60 details again, and consequently, Memphis can win the game in the high 80s or low 90s, even when OKC's helping throw steps up. Prediction: Grizzlies 94, Thunder 86
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