Memphis Grizzlies drops season finale to Oklahoma City

The Memphis Grizzlies headed into their season finale looking to end on a high not in Oklahoma City, but could they finish strong?

First Quarter:

The Memphis Grizzlies came out playing like they had nothing to lose against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Memphis jumped out to a 17-11 lead at the middle of the first quarter. Ben McLemore and Dillon Brooks started the Grizzlies off with 15 of the Grizzlies 17 in the first six minutes.

After that timeout, the Grizzlies seemed asleep, letting the Thunder go on an 8-0 run leading to a Grizzlies timeout. The Grizzlies continued to lose leverage in that first quarter, but stayed in arms length trailing by 10 after one quarter of play.

Second Quarter:

The second quarter was overall a young team spiraling out of control. The Grizzlies were outscored by the Thunder by 20 points in that second quarter. Also of noting that Paul George scored 26 points in that first half, and that did not help the Grizzlies out at all. The Grizzlies trailed the Thunder 77-57 after two quarters.

Third Quarter:

Memphis did not lay down to say the least. Dillon Brooks and Kobi Simmons had it all going in that third quarter. Brooks and Simmons made huge shots in big moments. I’ve learned that it takes Simmons some time to get going, but when he gets going, he is supper effective.

The Grizzlies trailed by only nine at the end of the third after trailing by 20 at the half.

Fourth Quarter:

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The Grizzlies continued to cut the lead down possession by possession, but the youth of this team killed opportunities. Brooks’ hot shooting continued into the fourth quarter and he eventually got the Grizzlies as close as eight, but it wasn’t enough.

Brooks’ 36 points was the most by a Memphis rookie since OJ Mayo and a career high, but it would come in a losing effort. The Grizzlies would fall to the Thunder 137-123 in their season finale.

Leading Scorers:

Dillon Brooks: 36 points

Kobi Simmons: 15 points

Ben McLemore 15 points

Memphis officially begins their off season, and building on the roster that they have currently.