Clippers hold off Grizzlies for bounce-back again get - NBA - By: Jamie Riggs

Just 16 games into their new partnership, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are currently capable of grinding out victories for the Los Angeles Clippers on nights when nothing at all seems to function adequately. Griffin scored 20 points, Paul added 18 points and seven assists in his 2nd game back from injury, and the 1st-spot Clippers hung on in the fourth quarter for a 98-91 victory above the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday evening.

The Clippers new nucleus is still studying how to respond to adversity, and Paul thinks this gritty win above a sturdy playoff contender really should help.

Sooner or later on were going to discover, simply because these minor opportunities can slip away from you, Paul stated. Weve got to create up as quite a few wins as feasible, and it feels excellent for me to be out there. Ive got to maintain the energy going. Each game suggests so substantially. The Clippers stayed atop the Pacific Division even in the course of Pauls absence, and they bounced back solidly from Wednesdays emotional loss to the Lakers, but a tougher schedule looms for a franchise with just 1 winning season in 19 years. No team in the Western Conference has played fewer video games than the Clippersincluding 11 in front of sellout house crowds.

We kept them at a reduced field-purpose percentage, but they manufactured us earn every little thing, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro stated. I was pleased with the way we got stops at the finish when we desired to. Distinct guys stepped up. Rudy Gay scored 24 factors for the Grizzlies, who have lost two straight following a seven-game winning streak. Marc Gasol added 18 points and 11 rebounds on Memphis 3rd end on a 4-game West Coast trip.

Paul manufactured a four-point play in the course of an early 11- run by the Clippers, who jumped out to a 27-11 lead late in the first quarter. Rudy Gay created a 50-foot shot at the 1st-quarter buzzer as the Grizzlies built a 14- run of their very own, holding it near into the fourth quarter.

NOTES: The two teams wore throwback ABA uniforms. The Clippers dressed in the baby-blue-and-red gear of the Los Angeles Stars, whilst the Grizzlies sported the Memphis Tams gold jerseys and green shorts. Commencing in 1972, Charlie Finley dressed his newly purchased basketball group in the exact same colours worn by his Oakland Athletics and the NHLs California Golden Seals. Before the game, the Clippers assigned G Eric Bledsoe to the D-Leagues Bakersfield Jam in his comeback from a torn meniscus in his appropriate knee. The 2nd-year point guard was harm during an offseason work out. Fans close to courtside included Rihanna, Billy Crystal, True Blood actor Jim Parrack and David Justice.

About the Author

N Craft writes concerning sports for a assortment of magazines. In addition to writing on various basketball subjects, Norman is often a scratch golf enthusiast who has pared all the major golf courses in Los Angeles, CA. Mr. Craft lives together with his two puppies just outside Los Angeles, CA. Read more of Mr Craft's articles or blog posts here: Clippers 98, Grizzlies 91 sport recap

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