NBA Playoffs - Durant, Westbrook carry OKC to Round 2
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 May 2014
CHICAGO -- The Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 7 of their Western Conference quarterfinals Saturday, thanks to superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Durant drilled all five of his 3s for 33 points while Westbrook finished with a triple-double -- 27 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists --- and the Thunder took care of business, 120-109, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
With their 4-3 series win, OKC is off to Round 2 where they will face the Los Angeles Clippers in another 7-game showdown. Games 1 and 2 of that match-up will play out at the Chesapeake Energy Arena beginning in a few days.
"I was finally able to get out of my own way tonight. I was thinking too much, worried about what you guys (media) were saying about me. I just relaxed and played my game. You guys motivated me a little, even though I told you you didn't," Durant said during his post game press conference on NBA TV.
After struggling early against the physical Grizzlies, the Oklahoman newspaper bannered a headline calling Durant "Mr. Unreliable."
Obviously, Durant, this year's leading MVP candidate, was extremely reliable in Game 7, when all the money was on the table.
Memphis opened the first quarter on a tear and led 36-27. But the Thunder fired back with a 77-55 run spanning the second and third quarters to gain a stranglehold of the deciding Game 7.
Reggie Jackson and Caron Butler combined for 31 points for the Thunder, who converted 42 of 69 field goals (60.9 percent) and 11 of 19 threes (57.9 percent). OKC also sank 25 of 30 free throws.
Marc Gasol was the high point man for the Grizzlies with 24, Mike Conley struggled with a hamstring injury but still finished with 20 and 9 assists, and Tony Allen contributed 15. Beno Udrih added 12 and Memphis went down after shooting just 37 of 83 form the field (44.6 percent) and 5-of-17 from 3-point country (29.4 percent). (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Kevin Durant lays in 2 of his 33 to lift the thunder past the Grizzlies in Game 7 of their WEst quarterfinals at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026