Durant's 33 points help Thunder survive Grizzlies' Game 1 comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder made sure that at least one home team won their playoff opener on Saturday, emerging from Game 1 of their series against the Memphis Grizzlies with a 101-86 victory.

However, the contest almost ended in disaster for the Thunder, who entered the second half with a 22-point lead. It was the Grizzlies' largest playoff halftime deficit in franchise history.

If you weren't sure why Memphis allowed Oklahoma City to pull so far ahead, this first-half shot chart explains everything.

Fortunately for the Grizzlies, they were able to cut the lead to only six points after outscoring the Thunder 22-2 in the paint throughout the third quarter. Reducing the deficit was also made easier by the fact that Oklahoma City shot even worse than their opponents had in the first half.

But once the Grizzlies narrowed the Thunder's lead to two with under nine minutes remaining in the contest, Kevin Durant proceeded to drop 10 of his 33 points and ensure that any chance of an upset was laid to rest. Durant also posted eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal during the game. Just another day at work as far as the MVP candidate is concerned.

Things might have worked out better for the Grizzlies had Tony Allen guarded Durant for the entirety of the contest.

Russell Westbrook pitched in with a double-double, dropping 23 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Serge Ibaka wreaked havoc on both ends of the floor with 17 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and one assist.

Game 2 goes Monday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.