Daily Thunder.com Grizzlies vs. Thunder: Game 5 Pregame Primer

vs.

Memphis Grizzlies (6-4, 2-3 road) vs. OKC Thunder (6-3, 4-1 home)

TV: TNT (Cox 31, HD 730);
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:30 CT

Series: Series tied 2-2

View from the enemy: 3 Shades of Blue

Forget the teams and actual players, how do we bounce back from Game 4? The game lasted somewhere around four hours in real time, 63 minutes in game time and saw players in each starting five play 55 or more minutes. It was a complete drain, and with only a day off in between, the question is all about energy. Who’s got it?

And this is the pivotal game in the series. With it tied 2-2, the winner here is in complete position to take the series. The game is more important for the Thunder because they’ve won back homecourt advantage and, with a loss, would go back to Memphis facing elimination in a Game 6. The Grizzlies can survive a loss and play to get to a Game 7. The Thunder have to have this one.

Teams that win Game 5 in a 2-2 split take the series 83 percent of the time. Those are good odds — if you win.

And the Thunder possess the X-factor for this game — the arena. In a game where both teams are likely to be battling some fatigue, the fact the game is in Oklahoma City is a huge lift for the Thunder. Just that extra little jolt from their raucous home crowd might be the difference in fading in the second half and driving hard to the finish line.

At the same time, here’s where you dig deep. We’re all probably making a bit too much about energy and heavy legs because these guys are in terrific shape. With a day off and a good boost of adrenaline, it’s probably not THAT big of a deal. Still though, if anyone is to get a boost, it should be the Thunder.

I am just a bit hung on wondering who has the momentum here. Of course it seems like the Thunder should because they were the victors of the triple-overtime game, but the Grizzlies have to feel pretty good about hanging in that game that long. After Conley and Mayo fouled out, they seemed doomed. But they made it through two more overtimes before finally running out of gas.

The Thunder had to have one of the two games in Memphis and got it. Now they have to have this one at home. The Grizzlies are the ones playing with not a lot to lose here. The pressure is on the Thunder. Can they execute just enough again to finally take charge of this series? Can they put together a full 48? Can they bring out their very best when it’s absolutely needed?

I think so. I can feel it coming. It’s going to be a good game, but I think we see more of the Thunder from Game 2 and less of the one from even the last two tonight. It won’t be easy necessarily, but I just get the sense this team is ready.

Tip at 8:30 CT. Please Go Thunder.

953 comments

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Thunderman

We should focus on finishing Memphis off before we even think about Dallas!

They are going to be fired up Friday and we got to match their intensity.

ATH

@Sammy

Dirk is a lot wilier than Z-Bo, and Serge is so artless.

@justin

Yeah.

justin

I don't know why we're wondering about who defends Dirk since, if our season series with Dallas was any indication, it will be Russell Westbrook.

ThunderHorn

Daniel Plainview :

Car RAMROD :

Daniel Plainview :
Did C Webb get booted off teh TNT crew after he blew up?

What did C Webb do? I guess I missed it

Well, Barkley said Rose was chucking like RW but the media didnt get on Rose for it And Webber got really loud and annoyed and threw his head back in disgust. Very similar mannerism that happen right before you get punched. It wasnt very mature behavior, so I was wondering if thats why he wasnt on anymore. the other dudes seem to have a nice comraderie

C-Webb isn't always on Inside the NBA. He's there sometimes on Inside but he's usually on NBA-TV. I doubt they'd get rid of him b/c they disagreed. Those guys always talk over each other.

McHale was probably in studio tonight since he may or may not be back next season, he's one of the finalists for the Rockets job. . Wouldn't surprise me if he's there all next series.

Gonna have to come out with a lot of energy Friday. The post-game from Memphis was the same from everyone, they didn't come out with enough energy/effort, and it was embarrassing. They are going to come out swinging everywhere, windmill style on Friday. Cannot afford another slow start. Need to play with a sense of urgency and a lot of energy.

Sammy

@ATH
I think we could see a fair amount of small ball with KD on Dirk and Serge playing help. Seeing Serge really body up on Z-Bo even when he's off the block and in face up/jumpshot mode also gives me a lot of confidence that he can do an able job on Dirk.

Smokey

Daniel :From Twitter:dailythunder Royce YoungFor all you folks that want Harden to start over Thabo, have fun with this stat: In a 27-point win, Thabo was a -2. Harden was a +29

Royce Young, rabblerouser

@Skeletor
Oh wow, yeah, that's pretty atypical of SBN sites, in my experience. My main experience is with LookoutLanding (terrific M's site) and blazersedge (blazers site). LookoutLanding has the best commenting guidelines I've seen of any sports blogging site, and the mods and community are really quick at enforcing them. Basically, you can curse and make all sorts of crude jokes, but any religion/politics is an immediate no-no as is any disrespectful/trolly type behavior towards other commenters is

Sammy :@justin

I feel like it’s been much better since Game 2…

Sorry I must have wiped Game 3 from memory...

First thought about Dallas (stop me if this is annoying/jinxing):

Durant needs to be able to cover Dirk. Serge is too awkward and undisciplined to guard the Dirk post-up. Nick could, but he can't stay with him on the perimeter. Jeff had some great defensive games against Dirk. So ironic. Unfortunately, I don't see Brooks putting Kevin on him unless he's already torched us for three quarters.

Daniel

From Twitter:
dailythunder Royce Young
For all you folks that want Harden to start over Thabo, have fun with this stat: In a 27-point win, Thabo was a -2. Harden was a +29

Daniel Plainview

justin :
Westbrook’s defense has been much better the last two games.

Agreed.

I was curious if you were watching Perk or not. I havent been but was waiting to hear your report, and that is good news. statistically, hes been absent, but I know hes much more than numbers - or so i hear

Skeletor :@justin

Why do you say this, out of curiosity?

He seems very conscious about positioning. He knows where to be. But right now, it's tough for him to get to those spots, and when he's there he doesn't have the agility to do what he wants. It seems on offense he is always finding open space, and on defense he's usually in position despite barely being able to move.

I think if he regains some of his agility he'll be way more useful and foul a lot less defensively (what's killing him).

He also doesn't seem to make a lot of mistakes on defense. On offense he tries to do too much sometimes, but some of that I think will go better if he can get off the floor again. i.e. the blown layup in this game.

justin :I’ve been watching Perkins more closely and I feel a lot better about him going forward if he gets healthy.

I feel pain just watching him move around. I hope he's able to get back to full-strength. Even winged he's a pain in the ass for the other team.

Skeletor

I was mad*

@justin
I feel like it's been much better since Game 2...

I hate how dirty those sites (SBN) are though, at least lonestarball (texas rangers site). That's the only one I visit frequently, and I got tired of all that dirty pictures and jokes and I was at the commentator for kicking me off after everyone attacked me for saying the Ranger suck right now (they've lost 8 series) and some of them called me gay and other things, and I was the one who was warned. Really irritating

Westbrook's defense has been much better the last two games.

Barrett

@Daniel Plainview

I'm not going to count us out of any series. After Game 1, I was really convinced we couldn't adjust to Memphis, and I was flat out wrong (happily). But I think you're really underestimating Miami and LeBron/D-Wade. Those guys are absolute superstars, with a lot more experience, including a trip to the finals for both (and a win for the forearm shiverer, D-Wade) than KD/RussWest44. It would be a tall order to beat them. Hopefully we can make it that far though!

Why do you say this, out of curiosity?

I've been watching Perkins more closely and I feel a lot better about him going forward if he gets healthy.

@Greaper22
One of the reasons I really really prefer the SBN format. Besides the ease of replying and the live updating, generally the mods are pretty on top of things and can easily curb non-site-friendly commenters by giving them warnings, probations, timeout restrictions, and outright bans.

The Thunder just haven't *looked* right in so many games. Even some wins.

It's too early to think about Dallas, but I already know I have zero sense about how we would do.

I wouldn't pick us over Miami but I'd be damn curious to see what happens :)

As for Dallas... I honestly don't know. I don't know how to pick that one yet.

Already so excited for tomorrows Bolts

@Greaper22

Agreed. There seems to be a 'tide' to DT. They drift out, they drift in. There seems to be some kind of schedule, but I can put my finger on it. It's a bit of a mystery. My advice: get to know your posters. You'll be able to easily dodge the ones with cooties.

Best of luck!

Resting our guys is a tremendous boon to us.

ATH :@Sammy

I shouldn’t have made a blanket statement. I just think it’s a statement game. Plus I’ll start freaking out with anxiety if we go to seven.

That I completely agree with. I'm gonna freak out if we have a Sunday ABC day Game 7

I'm pretty new to this board, but in general it's good to stay away from open threads during a game. If I'm watching the game from home (tonight I watched at Tapwerks, and this girl screamed out, "F*** you Gasol! Your brother looks like a llama!" I loved that) I might hop on ESPN's Daily Dime Live because that's moderated and it's mostly non-fans watching. But otherwise...get on afterwards if there's a win, wait a day if it was a loss!

I shouldn't have made a blanket statement. I just think it's a statement game. Plus I'll start freaking out with anxiety if we go to seven.

ATH :@Barrett

I wouldn’t pick us against Dallas or Miami. I’m just waiting for the Thunder to play at the level they are capable of, consistently. The Mavs, Heat, Hawks, Pacers and Grizzlies fans have all played at their best in the playoffs. The Bulls and Thunder are the only teams remaining who haven’t quite duplicated their regular-season style.

I disagree.. For one, playoffs are a different beast that every team is adjusting too. Did you see the notes i posted above how we lead the playoffs in many very important categories? I would NOT pick Miami over us, how is their bench gonna stop, or score, on ours?

James Church

Barrett :@James
Church
What did Durant have in there? A Bible? Perk probably carries one–that picture of him in-game on TNT was great!

Bible, phone charger, iPad, headphones... Nate.

We Want Nate! We Want Nate! We Want Nate!

...that made me happy

I'm glad those dudes got some playoff playingtime and made a few plays. That was big for them and huge for us. Good to know we have quality in reserve. I hope this game brings us together and we can get on a bit of a roll.

Hardest Memphis game is yet to come. Let's buckle down and give the Griz the respect they deserve. Getting to the WCF would be monumental, but we aren't there yet. Time to get serious and see if we have grit to contend for a championship. Let's close this in game 6.

Much love to my Thunder hombres. Threes down mother@#$%er!!!

Greaper22 :
It’s funny. The things that make this site great are the same things that make it borderline unbearable sometimes.
Spent the least time looking at this site for this game tonight and all was well. Once the negative Nancys come out I tend to go away.
I’m all for free speach and solid observation and analysis, but maybe a 3 second filter should be implemented just so every other comment isn’t “F Thabo”, RW is a sucky ballhog”, “KD needs more shots”, Perk has broken hands”, “Brooks is an aborted retard”.
You know who you are. Just my thoughts. Discuss, share, bond.
Let’s go Thunder!

Sorry. I wear my emotions on my sleeve during games and tend to do this a lot. I'm trying to get better.

@ATH
Memphis doesn't have more talent than us, but they also matchup with us extremely well and ousted a West's best Spurs team in 6. I dunno, all I'm saying is it's not inconceivable that we play well and hard on Friday and still lose.

As for inconsistency, inconsistency happens with even the most experienced playoff teams, let alone a team as young as ours. The Bulls are in danger of losing to a vastly inferior Hawks team. The Lakers just got swept by the Mavs. The only team I can think of in my lifetime that didn't battle bouts of inconsistency was the 96 Bulls, and you could argue even they should never have lost as many games as they did if you're going by talent differential.

David

@Daniel Plainview
In general, Webber just isn't very good as a commentator

I think Ibaka struggles with Z-Bo because Collision is a better one-on-one defender in the post than he is. Ibaka's magic is when he can roam, and he can't do that against these guys, especially since Perk can't handle Gasol as well he handled Nene.

The fans haven't played, but they've seen it is what I was starting to write.

Greaper22

It's funny. The things that make this site great are the same things that make it borderline unbearable sometimes.

Spent the least time looking at this site for this game tonight and all was well. Once the negative Nancys come out I tend to go away.

I'm all for free speach and solid observation and analysis, but maybe a 3 second filter should be implemented just so every other comment isn't "F Thabo", RW is a sucky ballhog", "KD needs more shots", Perk has broken hands", "Brooks is an aborted retard".

You know who you are. Just my thoughts. Discuss, share, bond.

Let's go Thunder!

@Barrett

I wouldn't pick us against Dallas or Miami. I'm just waiting for the Thunder to play at the level they are capable of, consistently. The Mavs, Heat, Hawks, Pacers and Grizzlies fans have all played at their best in the playoffs. The Bulls and Thunder are the only teams remaining who haven't quite duplicated their regular-season style.

Caleb

Dude at the end was all like yeah okc was celebrating a little too muvh at the end.. Memphis is going to see that and they are going to win Friday in Memphis I guarantee it... Bs we were just cheering for the guys from the bench who don't get to play a lot!!!

Craig and Bobby on the Sports Animal right now are praising Nick Collison. I must agree!

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/533821311/CollisonRedFro.jpg

C_Dub

lol on ESPN boards (yeah I know.........) all the Dallas fans are thinking they'll just roll right over us with ease in the WCF. They have this false sense of entitlement because they beat a Lakers team that was nowhere near the team of the last two years and because they have "so much more experience". I think at this point, it's purely down to matchups, you can throw the experience factor out the window. Just ask the Spurs. Ask Boston.

With that said, Dallas probably would beat OKC in a series but to call sweep is just stupid.

@James Church

What did Durant have in there? A Bible? Perk probably carries one--that picture of him in-game on TNT was great!

@ATH

You're probably right. I honestly think, if we can beat Memphis (and I still think it's nowhere near guaranteed--Memphis isn't going to lay down by any means, we know that), we will struggle mightily with Dallas. Honestly, though, I think it's premature to think we can win a title this year; Miami is playing really well, and the refs let D-Wade do whatever he wants. Plus Dallas is playing well, and they are much more experienced than us.

Of course there's no time like the present, and if we can get past Memphis and Dallas, I'll certainly take it, and it's not crazy to think we can get that far.

Car RAMROD

Memphis is really good, but their talent-level doesn't approach ours. When do we start looking at how inconsistent the Thunder have been in the playoffs so far? I'm not being disrespectful to Memphis -- this is the first criticism Grizzly fans will hurl once we've knocked them off.

Sammy :

ATH :
Winning Game 6 won’t prove anything, but losing probably means they aren’t equipped and/or ready to win.

I disagree. I think that’s being disrespectful to our opponent. We played extremely hard in games 3 and 4 and look how close those were…

Agreed, I hope that the Thunder have their heads screwed on tight enough to realise that tonights Memphis isn't the real Memphis Grizzlies. Those guys don't back down, they'll be ready to do to us what we did to them tonight if Thunder come in arrogant.

Everything is coming together... Ivey and Nate hit 3s, and Durant revealed the contents of his backpack. Good times.

I'm not really thinking in those terms. I just don't think we could be champions if we don't start playing great more consistently. The final six isn't ridiculously early to start thinking about that.

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Cook Sports | TALKING BOOK says:

November 19, 2011 at 3:07 am

[...] NBA Playoff Preview – Oklahoma City vs. Memphis (Sports Network) – The Memphis Grizzlies have less than 48 hours to celebrate the most significant accomplishment in franchise history [...]

Grizzlies vs. Thunder: Game 5 Pregame Primer

Memphis Grizzlies (6-4, 2-3 road) vs. OKC Thunder (6-3, 4-1 home)

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