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.

NBA Friday: Separating the Contenders from the Pretenders

Boston Celtics 91 New York Knicks 89

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen helped the Celtics secure a much needed win at home. The Knicks fall to 8-15 on the season. Questions and complaints continue to circulate about this dysfunctional team.

Orlando Magic 102 Cleveland Cavaliers 94

The Magic had trouble closing out the end of January (they went 2-6), but picked up their second win in two February games. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 16 rebounds in the win. We will have to see the Magic are back on track as it appears.

Miami Heat 99 Philadelphia 76ers 79

The Heat pounded the 76ers behind big games from Wade and LeBron. LeBron has had a MVP first-half of the season to lead the Heat. The loss drops the 76ers' home record to 12-3. While that is still impressive, this game showed the 76ers to be more of pretenders than contenders.

Oklahoma City Thunder 101 Memphis Grizzlies 94

Kevin Durant closed out another impressive win for the Thunder. Their record now stands at a league-best 18-4 (9-1 at home). Each game makes the Thunder look more and more like serious contenders. On the other hand, the Grizzlies have been a disappointment so far this season. Many people liked their talent for a short season, but they have been mediocre to this point.

Indiana Pacers 98 Dallas Mavericks 87

The Pacers are playing like contenders right now. They won in Dallas for the first time in eight years. Their ten road victories are tied for the most in the league. Paul George nailed seven three pointers and scored a career-high 30 points. The defending champion Mavericks continue to struggle. Right now, they are looking a lot more like pretenders than contenders.

Los Angeles Lakers 93 Denver Nuggets 89

The Lakers have had their struggles on the road, but got a quality win in Denver to improve their road record to 3-7. Kobe didn't have his best game, but his solid effort combined with those of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were enough to secure the win. The Nuggets are trying compete against the top tier of the Western Conference, but lack a true star. They might be regular season contenders, but that is a recipe for a postseason pretender.