OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Game 5

It has come down to a 3 game series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder. What was initially thought to be an easy series for the Thunder when the NBA playoffs started has now turned into a brawling series. With the series at 2-2 tonight's pivotal game 5 will probably decide who goes on to win the series.

Keys for OKC

1. Find a Rhythm. So far this series it seems like Durant and Westbrook have been thinking too much about who should be taking shots at different times during games.  They have to play free, aggressive, and with a ferocious tempo. Although typically it isn't good for a point guard to take 26 shots a game Westbrook will have to be big on offense take down Memphis.

2. X Factor Reggie Jackson.  Complimentary players for OKC have changed over the last couple years but the team has managed to remain successful in the regular season.  In the playoffs the Thunder need another complimentary perimeter player to step up.  That guy needs to be Reggie Jackson. After starting slow the first 3 games of the series Jackson erupted for 32 points on Saturday night.  They will need him to come up big again tonight.

3. GET Durant in the POST! If the Grizzlies continue to put Tony Allen or other smaller gaurds on Kevin Durant the Thunder have to make them pay.  We know Durant loves to shoot jumpers, and he is very succesful that way,  but the Thunder need him to get easy buckets near the basket, draw double teams, and ffind wide open guys (Like Jackson) on the perimeter.  Durant is such a prolific scorer but he needs to show some ability to dominate on the block against smaller defenders.

Keys for Memphis

1. Scoring in the Post. No surprise here.  They need Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol to dominate the post area.  Attacking in the paint will wear down the Thunder and limit their effectiveness in transition.  The grizzlies can only go as far as these guys can take them.

2.  Tony Allen. For a guy who lacks offensive skill for the NBA level he sure finds a way to impact the game.  His tenacity on defense, high level of energy and hustle, and knack to make big plays has kept the Grizzlies in this series.  I don't know that he can annoy Durant again but he will have to find a way to get stops.  When Allen is making intangible plays the Grizzlies play well.

3. Mike Miller Boost. For a guy who almost seemed retired before this season Mike Miller has proven to still have gas left in the tank.  He played all 82 games this regular season which was more than he played the previous two years in Miami.  He has looked good this series and if he can give the Grizzlies some scoring and a couple threes off the bench the Grizzlies to put a lot of pressure on OKC.



Prediction

This is a huge game for both teams.  We all know the stats. Teams that win game 5 in a tied series go on to win the series more often than not.  The Thunder have the benefit of home court and will find ways to win this game.  Thunder 102-Grizzlies 96.

Game will be on NBA TV. MEM at OKC | Tue., Apr. 29, 9:00 PM ET | NBA TV

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/28/okc-mem-game-5-preview.nba