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The Grizzlies are no joke. I didn’t see a team without a real "superstar" (i.e. Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Duncan) advancing against Chris Paul and the Clippers. Turns out the Grizzlies are the Denver Nuggets of defense – with this year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol, at the helm (debatable).
There’s no denying the Thunder are “short-staffed” without Russell Westbrook, but they’ve been able to weather the storm and find scoring and leadership from Reggie Jackson and Derek Fisher. But there’s no denying this series will be an up-hill battle for Durant and the Thunder.
Lionel Hollins has done a fantastic job thus far in these playoffs. Scott Brooks will have to find a way to match him strategically for the Thunder to advance.
Keys to Victory – FT Shooting
In a series that will be as close-knit as this one, ever point counts. Both teams will need to savor each basket, especially those that come with the clock stopped without a defender in front of them.
X-Factor – Serge Ibaka
My pick for defensive player of the year was Serge Ibaka. If he’s able to take Gasol’ s winning the award personal and make an all-star impact on both ends, it should significantly help OKC.
Prediction – Oklahoma City Thunder in 7
The Grizzlies are a “grind-it-out” kinda team, and this series is going to be a grind. It’s just the kind of series Kevin Durant will need to take his game to the next level.
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