Despite 4th quarter meltdown, LAC takes a commanding 3-1 series lead.
After Saturday’s late thriller with Lob City, Memphis was back again at Staples Center Monday night with hopes to even out the series. The sea of red once again gave their hometown team motivation in this must win game to take home-court in the series. Clippers had a 10 point lead with 5 minutes remaining in regulation, but the Grizzlies responded back with a 15-5 run sending this game to OT. Blake Griffin had a game high 30 points while Caron Butler chipped in 14, but the story of the night was Chris Paul’s poise down the stretch to lead LA to a victory. CP3 almost messed around and almost dropped a triple double scoring 27 points 9 rebounds and 7 assist. He only scored 2 points in the 4th (being a last second layup), but arrived in OT as netted 8 of his 27 points helping the Clippers take a 3-1 series lead. Grizzlies guard, Mike Conley had a career playoff-high scoring 25 points while Rudy Gay had 23 shooting 8 for 25.
Grizzlies’ co-captain, Zach Randolph has had a rough first-round averaging only 13 points thru 4 games. There were questions regarding his health and conditioning before the playoffs started but after game 4, it was visibly clear he’s not there yet. Now the series switches back to Memphis Wednesday night as the Grizzlies hope to avoid first-round elimination by the Clippers. The Clippers are now on the verge of their 2nd playoff series victory in 36 years and will try and close out the Grizzlies in game 5.
Game 5 is scheduled this Wednesday on TNT with a tip-off set for 9:30 pm (ET).
Win Or Go Home.
Clippers lead 3-1
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 – Wed May 9, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 6 – Fri May 11, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD (If Necessary)
Game 7 – Sun May 13, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD (If Necessary)