Chapter 185 - 4 AM in Memphis.
The Grizzlies cruised to a 108-96 victory over the Thunder on the road.
The final stats showed Durant with 29 points, Westbrook with 27 points on an inefficient 10-for-26 shooting, and Harden contributing 16 points.
For the Grizzlies, five players scored in double figures, with Han Sen leading the way, posting 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The scoreboard highlighted the gap in the teams' strengths.
More importantly, it showcased that the Thunder's mindset coming into the game was lacking, likely due to underestimating the Grizzlies.
The notion that the Grizzlies only made it to the Western Conference Finals because of Chris Paul's injury had left OKC unprepared.
It was like thinking they were facing a black bear, only to find out it was a grizzly.
But is the Thunder's situation hopeless?
Not entirely.
From the way they dispatched the Spurs, it's clear they didn't rely on luck, nor was San Antonio as 'washed' as Barkley and Shaq claimed.
The Spurs had revamped their roster this season, not only promoting Kawhi Leonard and bringing in Stephen Jackson but also signing Boris Diaw in the buyout market.