Clippers shoot 13-30 from the line but miraculously pull out victory.
On Saturday afternoon, it had been six seasons since last home playoff game in Staples Center featured non purple and gold attire and Lob City failed to disappoint with this close thriller. The sea of red, who had never been this loud the entire season gave their hometown Clippers enough energy in the 4th quarter to build momentum and sneak past Memphis. Despite a broken hand suffered in game 2, Clippers forward Caron Butler returned to action for game 3 and made contributions in Lob City’s effort over Memphis.
Clippers as team had the worst free-throw shooting in NBA playoff history as that almost blew the game for them. Rudy Gay hit a crucial 3 pointer with 13 seconds left in the 4th quarter to put them behind 3. That shot ended the Grizzlies cold streak of nearly 7 minutes without a field goal which would ultimately be there downfall for not winning game 3. Gay hit another 3 pointer 5 seconds later and put his team within a point of the lead. Clippers guard, Eric Bledsoe missed two key back to back free throws with 8 seconds left and gave Memphis one last shot at winning the game. Down by one with one second left, Rudy Gay made one last effort to give Memphis the dub but came up short missing a contested 3 pointer. CP3 had a game high 24 points and 11 assist while the capo Blake Griffin added in 17 points. Memphis now has to regroup Sunday in LaLa land for a must-win game 4 if they want to control home-court in this series.
Game 4 is scheduled this Monday on TNT with a tip-off set for 10:30 pm (ET).
Win Or Go Home.
Clippers lead 2-1
Game 1 – LA Clippers 99, Memphis 98
Game 2 – Memphis 105, LA Clippers 98
Game 3 – LA Clippers 87, Memphis 86
Bonus – Chris Paul’s Son Makes “The Blake Face”