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Daily NBA Fix 5-4-14: Home Court Really Does Matter

By Phil Watson

May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) embraces guard Chris Paul (3) after game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 126-121 to win the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) embraces guard Chris Paul (3) after game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 126-121 to win the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a three point shot against Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a three point shot against Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 120, Memphis Grizzlies 109
Game 7, Western Conference First Round
With leading scorer Zach Randolph suspended, the Grizzlies faced an uphill fight on the road, but made it interesting for a half.

Memphis opened an 11-point lead in the first half, but the Thunder caught fire, shooting 66 percent en route to pulling away in the second half.

Oklahoma City opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run to push the lead to double figures and although Memphis battled, the Thunder were never seriously threatened over the final 24 minutes.

Kevin Durant scored 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting—including 5-for-5 from downtown—and Russell Westbrook had a triple-double with 27 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Reggie Jackson scored 16 points off the bench and Caron Butler added 15, starting for the second straight game.

Marc Gasol had 24 points and four steals for the Grizzlies, Mike Conley added 20 points, nine assists and four steals, Courtney Lee tossed in 16 points and Tony Allen—playing in spite of an eye injury sustained in Game 6—added 15 points.

But the Thunder shot 60.9 percent overall and 57.9 percent from 3-point range and Memphis couldn’t counter that, hitting 44.6 percent overall and 29.4 percent from distance.

The Thunder host the Clippers to open the Western Conference Semifinals on Monday.