NBA - Memphis one win away from knocking out Spurs [video]

MEMPHIS (NBA) - Of all the twists and turns that have been happening in this year's NBA post-season, it's safe to say that few people would have seen what was coming in the first-round series between the Western Conference top seeds San Antonio and underdogs Memphis.

The Grizzlies now own a 3-1 advantage in the tie after romping to a 104-86 victory on Easter Monday.

Having never won a game in the play-offs before this year, the Grizzlies are on the verge of taking down a team that many expected to win the title.

Lionel Hollins' team trailed by two at half-time on Monday but then reeled off the first 14 points of the second half and ended up blowing away the Spurs.

The attack from the Grizzlies on offense was balanced, with nine players scoring between eight and 15 points.

Mike Conley poured in 15 while Spain center Marc Gasol had nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich tipped his hat to the Grizzlies.

"They put their foot on our neck and they never let up," Popovich said.

"They did a great job."

The Memphis defence forced San Antonio to commit 17 turnovers and they had just eight themselves.

"We did a good job of helping the helper," Gasol said.

"We were getting second and third efforts."

The city of Memphis is swept away in a state of basketball euphoria, but Hollins had a warning for his players and fans after the game.

"We haven't accomplished anything yet," Hollins said.

"We made a little noise and got everybody excited, but we still have to win one more game. That's our outlook."

Iran center Hamed Haddadi played nine minutes off the bench for Memphis but didn't score.

The Denver Nuggets staved off elimination with a 104-101 triumph over Oklahoma City.

Italy's Danilo Gallinari continued to shoot the ball well for Denver since his trade from New York.

The former Armani Jeans Milano man hit three of four shots from long range and finished with 18 points.

Ty Lawson, the starter at point guard for Denver with Chauncey Billups dealt to the Knicks in the trade that involved Gallinari, had 27 points.

Oklahoma City's Team USA duo, FIBA World Championship gold medal winners Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, had 31 and 30 points, respectively.

Serge Ibaka also had a game-high 14 rebounds to go with his 13 points for the Thunder who lead the series 3-1.

African power forward Ibaka, who learned how to play basketball in Spain and was on the books of Manresa in the ACB, is hoping to get his Spanish passport and compete for the national team in the near future.

In the other Western Conference series played on Monday, Dallas won at home, 93-82, over Portland.

Germany's Dirk Nowitzki poured in 25 points for the Mavs.

Dallas had led Game 4 at the weekend by 23 points but collapsed and lost to leave the series knotted at 2-2.

Now Mark Cuban's team is one victory away from a place the conference semis.

In the other first-round series, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers are level at 2-2.

New Orleans won Game 4 on Sunday, 93-88, with Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant injuring his foot late in the contest.

Bryant left the arena on crutches but expects to play in Game 5.

"It's sore," Bryant said.

"It just rolled over. It's been weeks since I hurt it last and when it happens, when you roll your ankle once, it's easy to go and it just went."

The Indiana Pacers were rewarded for their good work in the post-season by beating Chicago for the first time, 89-84, on Saturday.

Team USA point guard Derrick Rose rolled his left ankle on Sunday on a drive to the basket and had to leave the game but did return.

In practice on Monday, Rose had to stop playing because of the pain but he is expected to be on the floor for Game 5.

Miami lost Game 4 to Philadelphia on Sunday, 86-82, but still lead that series 3-1.

Atlanta are also surprise 3-1 leaders over Orlando after an 88-85 Game 4 triumph.

Jamal Crawford finished with 25 points and six assists for the Hawks.

The Boston Celtics weren't at their best at the end of the regular season but they completed a 4-0 sweep of the Knicks at the weekend.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, with teammate Rajon Rondo contributing 21 points and 12 assists.

FIBA