Not Yet Ready For Early Playoff Hibernation?
Wednesday night, the Grizzlies clawed their way (literally) to a game 5 victory of the Clippers to stay alive in the playoffs. Determined not to get upset on their home court, Memphis Biggs Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol scored a combined 27 points in the first quarter to give the Grizzlies a 14 point lead over Los Angeles. The Grizzlies Biggs were the key ingredient to Memphis first-round upset over the Spurs last years had become nothing more than an afterthought this series. Zach Randolph, who’s arguably the most important player on this team, was having a hard time finding his shot the first 4 games of this series but finally emerged for this must win victory over Los Angeles. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul both suffered second half injuries putting their status for game 6 on Friday in doubts. Blake hyper-flexed his left knee late in 3rd quarter but still returned to action in the 4th. Blake Griffin who’s no stranger to knee injuries had surgery before his rookie year in 2009 to repair the same knee he re-injured Wednesday night. Clippers inched to within 6 points but that was before Chris Paul re-aggravated his groin late in the 4th and immediately exited the game. Their statuses for game 6 Friday are questionable but both are expected to play through their respective injuries.
The Clippers had an extremely rough shooting night as Caron Butler went 2-10 scoring 8 points while Mo Williams went 8-21 scoring 20 points. Marc Gasol had a game high 23 points and 7 boards but the player of the game was Zach Randolph as he netted 19 points and grabbed 10 boards in a double-double effort. Game 5 now shifts back to the Staples Center as the Clippers will look to close out Memphis in this must win game.
Game 5 is scheduled this Friday on ESPN with a tip-off set for 9:00 pm (ET).
Clippers lead 3-2
Game 1 – LA Clippers 99, Memphis 98
Game 2 – Memphis 105, LA Clippers 98
Game 3 – LA Clippers 87, Memphis 86
Game 4 – LA Clippers 101, Memphis 97 (OT)
Game 5 – Memphis 92, LA Clippers 80
Game 6 – Fri May 11, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 7 – Sun May 13, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 1:00 p.m., ABC (If Necessary)