The Memphis Grizzlies will face a tough test just before the All-Star break Wednesday when they visit Chesapeake Energy Arena to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis, which owns the second-best record in the Western Conference, and OKC, which is tied for ninth just a game behind the Phoenix Suns, both sport two-game winning streaks.
Both of the Grizzlies recent wins came at home, but they are 16-8 as the visitor this season.
On Tuesday, the Grizzlies spoiled the return of Lionel Hollins to Memphis as they handled the Brooklyn Nets, 95-86.
Zach Randolph had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the Grizz. Marc Gasol, who will be a starter for the west in Sunday's All-Star game, posted 14 points and 11 boards, while Courtney Lee added 15 points for the Grizzlies, who have won 10 of their last 11 games.
Beno Udrih (13), Tony Allen (12) and Jeff Green (11) also scored in double figures for Memphis, which forced 20 Nets turnovers.
The Nets took their only lead at 5-4, then the Grizzlies countered with an 18-4 spurt. They never trailed again and held Brooklyn to 15 points in the first quarter.
"The game was a little sloppy. It got a little closer at the end than I wanted to," said Grizzlies coach David Joerger. "Defensively, we got a lot of hands on the basketball. We started the game with an energy and a passion."
The Thunder started their winning streak at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, then bested the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, 124-114, on Monday.
Kevin Durant poured in 40 points on 13-of-19 shooting and tied his career high with seven 3-pointers.
"If I hit one shot, I feel like I'm hot," Durant said. "My teammates were looking for me, I just tried to finish."
Russell Westbrook, the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, netted 26 points with nine assists and Mitch McGary recorded his second straight double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Andre Roberson added 12 in a reserve role.
Kendrick Perkins got the start for Steven Adams, who will miss at least three weeks after surgery to repair a broken bone in his hand.
OKC, which has won four of its last five, had 106 points after three quarters, which was a team record for points scored before the fourth.
Durant and Westbrook are headed to New York for the All-Star game as both were tabbed as reserves for the Western Conference team.
These two teams met in the first round of last season's playoffs and the Thunder prevailed in seven games.
Memphis has taken the first two matchups this season, but the Thunder are 3-1 in their last four regular-season encounters with the Grizzlies as the host.
[SportsNetwork.com]
