Memphis’ victory forces a Game 7

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, TENN.

Zach Randolph is doing everything he can to keep the Memphis Grizzlies’ memorable playoff run going as long as possible.

Randolph had 30 points and 13 rebounds, and the Grizzlies avoided elimination by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-83 on Friday night to push their Western Conference semifinal to Game 7.

The Grizzlies had never won a game before when facing elimination, but that was back in 2004, 2005 and 2006, when they were swept out of the postseason each of those years. These Grizzlies are having not only the best playoff run in franchise history, but they now have won more games this postseason than any other No. 8 seed from the West.

Game 7 will be Sunday in Oklahoma City, with the winner advancing to play the well-rested Mavericks.

O.J. Mayo, who started in place of Sam Young, scored 16 points for Memphis. Mike Conley had 11 points and 12 assists, and Tony Allen added 10 points as the Grizzlies improved to 5-1 at home in this postseason.

Memphis outscored the Thunder 51-29 in the second half and 46-38 in the paint.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 27 points, and James Harden had 14. Kevin Durant, the NBA’s leading scorer in the regular season, was held to a postseason-low 11 points.