May 11th: This Day in Memphis Grizzlies Playoff History

MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 1: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2014 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

On May 11th, 2013, the Memphis Grizzlies took the lead in a playoff series versus the Oklahoma City Thunder inside the Grindhouse.

This decade, an NBA franchise landed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They quickly developed two players into superstars, and from there, the Memphis Grizzlies would commonly clash with the OKC Thunder.

The NBA’s golden child — Kevin Durant (sans Russell Westbrook, out due to injury) — versus the blue collar brutes — Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and company.

In 2013, the Grizzlies had stolen a game on the road versus the Thunder. With the series tied at one game apiece, Game 3 was vital to success in the series. With a raucous crowd inside the Grindhouse, Memphis would put on a thrilling show.

Relive this exciting day in Memphis Grizzlies history via the video directly below.

Durant was on his usual roll in the first half. From making plays to scoring in every possible way, he was looking unstoppable. Despite KD placing his fingerprints all over the game’s first two quarters, the battle was far from over in Game 3.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 45-44 — an OKC lead by a single point.

The final 24 minutes of action remained close for the most part, though the Grizzlies would utilize their homecourt advantage and attempt to pull away.

OKC’s Reggie Jackson picked up the slack in Westbrook’s absence to draw attention away from the Thunder’s leader, Kevin Durant.. However, Memphis’ Marc Gasol decided he was not going home with an L.

In the low-scoring game, Memphis had four players notch double figure scoring, with “Big Spain” tallying 20 points to go along with nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocked shots.

At the end of the day, the Grizzlies’ deep roster was too much for the Thunder. Memphis’ stifling defense flustered Durant more than any he had received before. Team basketball took over in this series.

Memphis edged out the victory to take a 2-1 series lead over Oklahoma City.

The final score read 81-87 and the Memphis Grizzlies were starting to feel as if this was their year to contend for a championship. This Grizzly gang would go on to win the series over KD & company — four games to one.

Go Grizz!

Next: Will the Grizzlies draft someone better than these shoddy picks?

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