Tramel: Nick Collison did the heavy lifting in Game 7 triumph

No surprise there. Good things always happen to the Thunder when Collison takes the hardwood.

The Thunder bested Memphis 105-90 in a memorable Game 7 Sunday to reach the Western Conference Finals.

Memphis coach Lionel Hollins had called the Thunder the more glamorous team, and no doubt he's right.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? Between Staples Center and South Beach, the most star power on one NBA franchise is playing right here on Reno Avenue.

Durant and Westbrook certainly cemented their superstar status Sunday.

Durant was spectacular, shaking off 3-of-14 shooting in Game 6 and 2-of-9 shooting in the first quarter Sunday. His 39 points will be the stuff of Oklahoma City legend, and don't think the entire league failed to notice how Durant responded on this Game 7 stage.

Westbrook was fabulous, with 14 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. His triple double is just the fifth in Game 7 history, and Westbrook would have been there in the third quarter, except he was stuck on eight points.

But Collison is Reason No. 1 the Thunder is headed to Dallas for a Final Four showdown against the Mavericks.

Collison made the biggest difference in the game.

“Nick Collison was the best player tonight as far as helping us get this win,” Durant said.

Collison played magnificent defense on Memphis star Zach Randolph.

The Grizzlies were going only as far as Randolph could take them offensively. And Randolph couldn't take them far with Collison on the court.

Collison played 33 minutes Sunday. His numbers were superb; eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, 12 rebounds, three blocked shots.

But here are all the numbers you need to know. In 13 minutes against Serge Ibaka, Randolph made four of seven shots and scored 10 points. In 25 minutes against Collison, Randolph made two of eight shots and scored seven points.