Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley (R) makes a pass around San Antonio Spurs' Antonio McDyess, Tim Duncan and Gary Neal (L-2nd R) during the second half of Game 4 of their Western Conference first round NBA basketball playoffs in Memphis, Tennessee April 25, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MEMPHIS - Western Conference top seeds San Antonio were pushed to the brink of elimination from the first round of the NBA playoffs after the Memphis Grizzlies took a 3-1 series lead with a 104-86 win over the Spurs on Monday.

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In other Western Conference playoff games, the Dallas Mavericks took a 3-2 series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers while the Denver Nuggets avoided being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, cutting the series deficit to 3-1.

The Grizzlies finished the regular season eighth in the West and were not expected to be a major test for the Spurs but their Game Four win puts them in a commanding position in their best-of-seven series.

"We're a team that doesn't get a lot of attention," Memphis point guard Mike Conley told reporters. "We've been playing great and we're able to beat good teams like San Antonio. We just have to do it one more time."

Memphis were too big and athletic for the Spurs and blew the game open in the third quarter where they outscored San Antonio 30-15.

Conley led Memphis with 15 points, with four others joining him in double figures, as the Grizzlies close in on their first NBA playoff series win.

The Spurs got 23 points from Tony Parker but Tim Duncan struggled with just six points and seven rebounds. Game Five is on Wednesday in San Antonio.

Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol (R) of Spain reacts after being called for a foul against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of Game 4 of their Western Conference first round NBA basketball playoffs in Memphis, Tennessee April 25, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]