OKLAHOMA CITY -- While the nation was zeroed in on matchups with the Heat, Lakers and Bulls, the Thunder knew who would be their toughest game. Memphis took them to seven games last year during the playoffs and were playing a man short.
Memphis came into Monday's contest almost back to full strength looking to move up the Western Conference ladder. That was enough motivation to take down Oklahoma City 94-88 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The loss ended Oklahoma City's six-game win streak.
"Everybody knows how we play against each other," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "It seems every game through the playoffs were like this. Every game this season has been like this. We were fortunate enough to win three of them. Going into the game we knew we were going to be in store for a very tough game, physical game. An intense game. And it was."
Oklahoma City (40-13) had to fight its way back into the game late.
With 1:12 left on the clock, Russell Westbrook knocked down two free throws and Memphis led 87-84.
The Thunder forced a shot clock violation and got the ball back with 48 seconds left.
Westbrook was fouled again driving through the lane and made both shots from the charity stripe. Memphis (29-22) led by one.
It looked like the Thunder were on the verge of completing another patented fourth-quarter comeback.
However, the Grizzlies O.J. Mayo put an end to that. He connected on his only 3-pointer of the night just as the shot clock sounded. Oklahoma City trailed 90-86.
"That was a big time shot," Brooks said. "Sometimes you have to give your opponent a pat on the back. He made a big shot. Russell could have done a better job of contesting that shot. That was a big three."
The Grizz hit their free throws the rest of the way to close out the game.
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting. He connected on only two of his eight 3-point attempts. Westbrook finished with 19 points, three assists and five turnovers.
"It's always like this," Durant said. "It's our fourth time playing these guys and its hard to beat a team four times in a row. They came out and made plays. They played hard."
Memphis had six players score in double figures. Mayo led the way with 22 points.
"The Juice (Mayo) has his hands on the ball all the time and that gives him the green-light to pull the trigger and that keeps him in rhythm. He just made some big shots."
(c)2012 The Norman Transcript (Norman, Okla.) Distributed by MCT Information Services
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