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Grizzlies and Thunder kick off West semis in OKC

May 1, 2011 - 2:34 PM (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies are less than 48 hours removed from the most significant accomplishment in franchise history as they get back to work in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio totaled 61 victories during the regular season, won the Southwest Division title, and went into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Now the Spurs are booking tee times thanks to the Grizzlies.

Memphis made a number of big plays down the stretch on Friday to earn a series-clinching 99-91 Game 6 win over San Antonio, becoming just the second No. 8 seed in NBA history to topple a No. 1 in the first round since the best- of-seven format was instituted.

The Grizzlies also recorded the first playoff series victory in franchise history.

"Not a lot of people knew about us coming in, but we certainly have made some noise, turned some heads, and got some attention that probably wouldn't have been given to us if we lost this series," Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins said. "We would have been just another eighth seed losing to the No. 1 seed. I'm pleased with the way it turned out."

The Grizzlies advanced to the next round thanks to a standout performance from forward Zach Randolph, who poured in 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. He scored 17 of his points in the fourth quarter, hitting 6-of-8 shots from a variety of locations on the floor.

Marc Gasol had 12 points and 13 boards for the Grizzlies, who were 0-12 all- time in the postseason coming in, having been swept in all three of its previous playoff appearances.

This time Memphis was able to use its youth and athleticism against an aging, plodding Spurs club.

"I thought their athleticism, their strength, their size, really hurt us offensively," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. "Offensively we couldn't get a lot done. We really had trouble scoring against their defense. They deserve a lot of credit for that."

The game plan will have to change against the Thunder, perhaps the best young team in basketball.

Oklahoma City, the reigning Northwest Division kings, bounced Denver in five games during the first round and rely on two-time scoring champion Kevin Durant, dynamic point guard Russell Westbrook, imposing shot blocker Serge Ibaka and a solid defensive presence in the middle, Kendrick Perkins.

Durant scored 16 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter against the Nuggets in Game 5 back on Wednesday and hit a huge jumper with 12 seconds remaining before blocking a three-point try from J.R. Smith. The Thunder then survived Arron Afflalo's missed three- point try as time expired to advance.

"I just tried to seize the moment, take advantage of it," Durant said. "They kept feeding me the rock. I was able to get to some good spots and fortunately I made some shots."

Westbrook overcame a 3-for-15 shooting slump and had 14 points for the fourth- seeded Thunder, who won their first playoff series since moving to Oklahoma City. The franchise's last postseason triumph came in 2005 when it called Seattle home and upended Sacramento in five games in the first round.

Ibaka was a force inside with nine blocks, one off the NBA playoff record. That included a crucial swat of an attempted Nene jam in the final minute.

Memphis was 3-1 versus the Thunder this season but all of those games took place before Oklahoma City swung a deal with Boston to acquire Perkins.

"Memphis is one of the biggest teams in basketball," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "They have size and strength and toughness, and they're the best scoring team in the paint. So, it's [picking up Perkins] certainly going to help."

The two teams have never met in the postseason.

"We're both bad teams that have risen up and become good teams," Hollins said Saturday when talking about the series. "Our transformations started the same way, and they actually were ahead of us. We're here, and they're here."

Game 2 of the set is also set for Oklahoma City on Tuesday.