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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies will likely need more production from Zach Randolph to get past the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first-round playoff series.
Randolph averaged 17.4 points and 10.1 rebounds during the regular season. In the playoffs, he is averaging 18.3 points, but has made just 36 percent of his shots.
The Thunder say Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka are the main reasons for Randolph's struggles. Perkins' strength makes it tough for Randolph to get his usual position near the basket. Ibaka, who was fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting, is one of the league's most athletic post defenders.
The Thunder will try to continue their success against Randolph in Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday night. The teams have two wins apiece.
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