Playoffs?? Playoffs!
OKC -7 vs. Memphis
- I've seen several talking heads say that nobody wants to play this Memphis team. I don't see it and think OKC wins this in 5. OKC ended the season with a loss @ New Orleans and a 1 point win over Detroit, but I think they were a little tired after going all out @ Indiana where the Pacers were gunning for the number 1 seed in the East. On April 9th the Thunder went into L.A and beat the Clippers on their home floor. I think that is more indicative of the team we will see in the playoffs.
Zach Randolph is a big part of the Memphis offense and I think this match-up is tough for him because of the length and athleticism that the Thunder have. Randolph shot 23-62 (37%) against the Thunder in the 4 games this season. On the season, he shot 47.6% from the field, so he clearly struggled against their front court and the different options they have to guard him whether it be Perkins, Ibaka, Collison or rookie Steve Adams off the bench...
Memphis likes to play a slow it down game, but I don't think that works well against the Thunder because they struggle more against great ball movement - OKC was middle of the pack in defending the 3, but luckily for them Memphis is not the team to take advantage of that at 19th in the league in 3 point %. - I think the Mavs or Phoenix would have had a better shot against the Thunder. On top of all this, The Thunder have playoff revenge, so I think they will come out with very high energy and make that "statement" in game 1.