"With the game hanging in the balance, the Grizzlies threw the ball inside to Zach Randolph and benefited from his veteran savvy as much as a number of important, fourth-quarter baskets.

With the game seesawing, the Griz depended on Tony Allen for dynamic defensive plays, clutch free throws and uncharacteristic marksmanship from beyond the 3-point arc.

Whether the Griz have truly figured out recurring issues with consistency remains to be seen, but their poise and maturity were on display Tuesday night throughout a 110-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in FedExForum.

Memphis, playing without top reserve O.J. Mayo due to bronchitis, earned its second straight victory over a quality Western Conference opponent. A couple of days after blowing out the Los Angeles Lakers on the road, the Griz were responsible for the Thunder's losing back-to-back games for just the second time this season.

"It was a good, tough, hard NBA battle," Griz coach Lionel Hollins said. "I don't know if we're learning … but tonight there weren't a lot of letdowns. They showed a lot of toughness and a lot of fortitude that's been lacking."

Randolph provided his usual strength in the form of 31 points and 16 rebounds. He tossed in 13 fourth-quarter points, including six free throws in the final three minutes.

Allen added his typical defensive intensity in an effort that was bolstered by a season-high 19 points to go with three steals.

"We just tried the make a statement on the defensive end and do it for 48 minutes," Allen said. "And we did that. We had to do it as a collective unit. We're starting to get things done."

Both teams shot 51 percent, and the Thunder amassed 31 fast-break points. The Griz countered those transition baskets by overpowering the Thunder in the paint, and getting much-needed scoring from Allen.

After missing several layups early, Allen delivered big baskets late with Mayo and rookie Xavier Henry (sore right knee) sitting out. Allen's two 3-pointers in the final quarter helped keep the Thunder at arm's length."