2011 NBA Playoffs: Zach Randolph Dominates Thunder, Grizzlies Take Game 1

Zach Randolph doesn't look like a shooter. He doesn't look like he has hustle. He doesn't look like the star of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. But he is.

He's playing like it.

Randolph tallied 34 as the Grizzlies stunned the Thunder 114-101 to take a 1-0 series lead, and control of the series. T

he Grizz also got 20 points and 13 rebounds from Marc Gasol, who is playing like his brother Pau.

By using their speed and hustle and showing the ability to overcome the Thunder's front-court trap, Memphis was able to score. They worked the ball around the horn very nicely, drove to the hoop well, and stole the ball enough times. OKC had 18 turnovers, while the Grizzlies only had seven.

In the first quarter, with Memphis winning 20-19, Zach Randolph had the ball.

He took a turnaround that went right through the center of the hoop, pivoting and fading away when he took the shot. Randolph made shots from everywhere.

Randolph converted three-point plays, drained jumpers, dished out assists, and grabbed rebounds.

Marc Gasol was making his shots as well, making a lot of them from the free throw line. Randolph made a three-pointer to give Memphis a 54-38 lead in the second quarter.

Gasol made nine of his 11 shots, and Randolph made 12 of his 22. Memphis shot much better from the field, and they dominated OKC in every other aspect of the game.

With the Grizzlies big men playing like this, Memphis could win the NBA Finals.

Memphis has Randolph as the anchor, Gasol as his sidekick, and a supporting cast consisting of Shane Battier, Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur, Tony Allen and other capable players.

If you overlook the Grizzlies, good luck.

Game 2 is Tuesday night.