Thunder Rewind: 2013 Playoffs Game 2 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

On this day, May 7, in Oklahoma City Thunder history, the team was involved in a playoff battle with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals.

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During Game 2, Kevin Durant had himself a game. Durant just missed a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. As always he had solid shooting percentages with 52 percent from the field and 91 percent (11-of-12) from the stripe.

Unfortunately for the team, no one else stepped up other than veteran Derek Fisher, who chipped in 19 points, which included four triples.

The Grizzlies’ defense and their balanced offensive attack were the reason they were able to come away with the 99-93 victory. Mike Conley was the same guy he is now. Solid as a rock. And without Russell Westbrook for the series, the Thunder had a tough time coming up with answers at the point guard position.

Like Durant, Conley messed around and almost got a triple-double himself with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. The 2013 playoffs were a coming out party of sorts for their center Marc Gasol who added 24. This game was no different than the types of games he has today, contributing in multiple categories and efficient shooting.

Conley may have been a beast down the stretch, but Durant had the game’s most exciting plays. One of which was a crossover on Quincy Pondexter at the top of the key, followed by a throw-down that Darrell Arthur wanted no part of. Just nasty…

The second highlight came just a few minutes before the crossover/dunk play. It was the annihilation of a Jerryd Bayless dunk attempt. The Grizzlies would end up scoring on the play but Durant’s effort had to be recognized. No easy baskets for Bayless. I’m looking at you, Derrick Rose.

Maybe the performance was a sign of things to come, seeing as Durant would end up being named league MVP the following season. But what also must be noted, is that there is only one Thunder superstar on the floor. Just like this year there was one player left having to carry the load with the team’s season hanging in the balance.

The team was only able to take Game 1 of that series before dropping the next four in a row. There wasn’t anyone at fault, seeing as Westbrook was out, but Grizzlies would move on to play the San Antonio Spurs, the team the Thunder had eliminated the year before. The Thunder could have advanced to the Finals for the second year in a row had they been healthy.

Too bad we’ll never know what could have been. One thing is for sure, Durant had a hell of a run during the 2013 playoffs averaging 30.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. This game was just a small sample of that.

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