Clippers Clip Grizzlies in Astonishing Style

Photo Credit: Joe Murphy/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Clippers trailed the Memphis Grizzlies by 21 points at the end of the third quarter in Game 1 of their playoff series. Clippers point guard Chris Paul pleaded with Head Coach Vinny Del Negro to let him in the game to start the fourth. The Clippers, who were down as much as 27 in the game, gained some momentum in the fourth. Paul and bench player Nick Young led the way. Paul, despite struggling for most of the first three quarters, finished with 14 points and 11 assists. Young gained additional playing time when Caron Butler broke his left hand. He brought the energy the Clippers needed to comeback. Young scored 19 points, including three from beyond the arc.

So as I said, the Clippers tried to make their frantic comeback in the fourth quarter. With Paul and Young leading the way, the Clippers went on a shooting spree and played stifling defense, which combined with cold shooting by the Grizzlies helped close out the game. The Clippers were down by 24 points with under eight minutes to go in the game. All the Clippers managed to do was go on an incredible 28-3 run to win the game. The victory set the record for the largest comeback after three quarters in NBA playoff history.


I am not sure what I should take from this game. The Clippers had a miraculous comeback, but played poorly for the vast majority of the game. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, looked super convincing, until their drought over the final nine minutes. What does matter from this game, is the advantage and confidence gained from this experience and victory. Ultimately, the Clippers stunned the Grizzlies to say the least.