The 2013 Western Conference Finals Run
A gritty seven-game saga where the Grizzlies pushed the Thunder to the brink of elimination.
The 2013 Western Conference Finals run stands as the crowning achievement of the 'Grit and Grind' era for the Memphis Grizzlies. Led by the defensive dominance of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Rudy Gay, the team transformed from a lottery-bound squad into an elite playoff force. This historic postseason journey saw them dismantle two-time defending champions San Antonio Spurs in the second round before facing the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs again? No, they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, in a grueling seven-game series that captivated the nation.
- Season
- 2012-2013
- Head Coach
- Lionel Hollins
- Key Players
- Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley Jr.
- Playoff Seed
- 5th (Western Conference)
- Conference Finals Opponent
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Series Result
- Lost 4-3 in Western Conference Finals
Lore & Background
The series against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a clash of titans: the young, athletic speedsters of OKC versus the veteran, physical wall of Memphis. The series went the full distance, with Game 7 taking place in Memphis. The run, however, cemented the identity of the franchise as a team that could hang with anyone through sheer will and defensive intensity.
In Their Own Story
The air inside FedExForum was thick with humidity and anticipation on that final night in May. Every bounce of the ball echoed like a thunderclap against the hardwood. Zach Randolph, eyes narrowed, dug deep into his post position, absorbing contact from Kevin Durant before firing a hook shot over the defense. It swished through the net, silencing a fraction of the crowd's noise and igniting a roar from the home faithful. On the bench, Lionel Hollins paced, knowing that while the odds were slim, the heart of this team refused to break. They had come further than anyone imagined in years, turning Memphis into an unyielding fortress for six weeks straight.
Reader's Guide
The 'Grit and Grind' identity was forged under head coach Lionel Hollins, who took over mid-season in 2011-12 but fully implemented his system by the 2012-13 campaign. Ownership remained stable with Robert Pera's investment group having taken control earlier that year, providing the financial backing to keep the core intact. The era was defined by a shift from high-octane offense to a suffocating defensive philosophy centered on Marc Gasol's rim protection and Tony Allen's perimeter harassment. This evolution turned the Grizzlies into a top-tier playoff team almost overnight, culminating in their deepest postseason run ever. Although the 2013 Conference Finals loss marked the end of that specific peak, the identity established during this season lasted for several years, influencing how the franchise approached player development and roster construction until the eventual dissolution of the core group.
Did You Know?
- The Grizzlies became the first team in NBA history to sweep the San Antonio Spurs in a playoff series since the 1990s during their 2013 run.
- Tony Allen was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team following his performance in the 2012-13 season.
- The 2013 Western Conference Finals featured two teams that would meet again in the playoffs just one year later.
- Marc Gasol averaged a double-double for the series against Oklahoma City, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and defender.