MEMPHIS, May 11 (UPI) -- Marc Gasol scored 12 of his 20 points during the third quarter Saturday and Memphis bested Oklahoma City 87-81 for a 2-1 lead in their second-round series.
Gasol keyed the decisive period, during which the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder 22-15 and then held on down the stretch.
The center also grabbed nine rebounds and dished off four assists for the fifth-seeded Grizzlies, who retained home court advantage over No. 2 Oklahoma City in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series.
Mike Conley added 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Tony Allen also netted 14 points for the winners.
The Grizzlies used a tough defense to limit Thunder star Kevin Durant to 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Durant also hauled down 11 rebounds and distributed five assists.
Reggie Jackson donated 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
