The Grizzlies had 52 points in the paint in Game 1, largely as a result of 17 offensive rebounds that led to 23 second-chance points. Memphis had only eight turnovers. And the Grizzlies' role players, Sam Young, Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Shane Battier, combined to score 44 points on 17 of 39 shooting.

“Give Memphis a lot of credit,” Brooks said. “They came in and played good basketball. They did what they do well, and they did it consistently.”

Now, all the pressure is on the Thunder to stop them.

But that task starts with the Thunder improving in the areas that it can control. Oklahoma City had 18 turnovers, which led to 22 Grizzlies points. That means 65 percent of Memphis' points came inside or off turnovers.

“We have to get better in those areas,” Brooks said. “That's their strength, and they had their way with their strength.”