Grizzlies Defeat Clippers 113-102: Consider that Clip Whooped
I love it when the Grizzlies play the Clippers. It always gets my blood pumping because win or lose I know I’m in for some fun-to-watch basketball. If you aren’t in the stands yelling you’re definitely screaming at your TV at home. I honestly think it’s written somewhere in the “How to be a Grizzlies Fan” handbook that you must loathe the Clippers. Every game immerses me in the rivalry that brought about the very Memphian “Whoop that Clip” chant, Chris Paul fatheads sucking on a pacifier, and Blake Griffin memes for every occasion. Last night, the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies hit the court in FedEx Forum and showed why you can never ever count the Grizzlies out.
Zach Randolph, who had missed the last 7 games, took the court as part of the starting line-up. After a 4 game losing streak and on the eve of heading out for a 3-game road trip, the Grizzlies needed a win. Zach Randolph put this team on his shoulders once again and carried the team to a victory. He would finish the night with his very first career triple-double. Overall, this scrappy Grizzlies team would prove to be too much for the Clippers.
The Great:
Zach Randolph (Z-BO!!!). Watching him lead what is basically a hodgepodge of players reminded me of everything that makes Zach Randolph one of the greatest Grizzlies of all-time. Coach Joerger commented on the difference his presence made in the game; that the young guys go “Whoa, we’ve got a go-to guy.” Zach Randolph embodied go-to guy last night. Randolph’s Triple-Double stat line reads 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Not only could his teammates depend on him to score they could depend on him to facilitate scoring for them. Randolph finished the night shooting 52.6%. In case anyone has forgotten, Zach Randolph can ball. Post-game he openly admitted that he “ain’t had fun like this in a long time.” The truth is we all had a lot of fun last night.
Tony Allen. I cannot undervalue what Tony Allen brought to the table last night. His layup with 1:26 left in the game resulted from the final assist that sent Randolph over for his triple-double. Allen was not bashful about what that play meant to both him and Randolph. They have played together for a long time and have perfected that play. In the locker room Allen said that it was Mike Conley who pointed out that Randolph needed just one more assist. He jokingly said that Randolph “can’t say I ain’t never did nothing for him.” Tony Allen was the second highest scorer of the night with 22 points. He shot 70% from field, even sinking a beautiful 3-point shot.
Check out these highlights from Z-Bo:
First career triple-double for Zach Randolph (did it in his 974th game, an @NBA Record. Previous: Karl Malone, 860)https://t.co/8eEigbr6Ec
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 20, 2016
The good:
Third Quarter Success. Memphis is not exactly known for having stellar third quarters. Last night would be a little different. At the half the Clippers had tied up the game 58 – 58. The Grizzlies didn’t exactly shoot well in the third quarter. As a matter of fact they shot 33.3% but the Clippers shot 31.3%. What was the difference maker? The Grizzlies would play hard and score 10 of their 27 quarter points in the paint. Why is that important? The Grizzlies physicality dragged the Clippers into a battle. Memphis visited the free-throw line 15 times in the third quarter and sank 12 of those shots. The won the third quarter 27-17 and never looked back. The Clippers would not see another lead after 7:20 left in the third.
The Young Guys. More specifically, Ray McCallum (or Little Ray, as he is affectionately referred to by Z-Bo). McCallum was huge for the Grizzlies last night. He scored 14 points and shot 50%. Last night’s win was as Tony Allen called it a “collective effort”. These young guys are scrappy and they want to win. I know that heart isn’t everything but last night it paved the way to victory.
The bad:
Bench Production. Yes, last night’s win was a collective effort but it was still a little rough for the bench. Not a single Grizzlies bench player managed a positive efficiency rating. They were outscored by the Clippers bench 42-33. The Clippers only positive efficiency players were from their bench. Last night the starters carried the team, which is admirable. If the Grizzlies want to keep favorable playoff positioning the bench must give valuable minutes.
The Ugly:
Just kidding. The Grizzlies beat the Clippers with a limited roster so even if I could find something to nit-pick and put here, I wouldn’t. Because I repeat; the Grizzlies beat the Clippers. (Fist bumps all around!)
Quick Stats:
– The Grizzlies outscored the Clippers 40 – 24 in the paint and 14 – 4 in second chance points.
– The Clippers leading scorer was Chris Paul with 25 points. He and Deandre Jordan (16pts) were the only two starters for Los Angeles to score in double digits.
– Lance Stephenson was your most efficient player of the night at +27.
– JaMychal Green nabbed 4 steals last night and was the leading bench scorer with 11 points.
– The Grizzlies forced the Clippers into 14 turnovers and scored 18 points off those turnovers.
The Grizzlies play next against a Phoenix team that has caused them some trouble. Get ready to tune in and cheer your team on as we start to wind down what has been a true roller coaster of a season!
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- Memphis at San Antonio: Grizzlies Did Not Layeth the Smacketh Down - March 25, 2017
