Grizz Fall to Clippers in LA

Marc Gasol hurt his ankle after playing just 9 minutes in the game. All of Grizznation had a collective, oh no..NOT AGAIN.

This was an important game for the Grizzlies. Mike Conley and Tony were already out due to injuries; then Marc Gasol went down. After it was announced Marc wouldn’t return, everyone thought this would be a blowout game and the Clippers would get a decisive victory. But the Grizzlies surprised us all!

The Grizzlies went on to lose 94-86. This was a very important game that they needed to win. They were without 3 key guys and they still made the Clippers work hard for the victory. The effort was there. These guys fought hard until tired legs got the best of them; they played a pesky Jazz team on Friday night.

The Grizzlies still hold on to the 2nd seed in the Western Conference for now. I won’t attempt to try to explain the tie breaker scenarios.

Jeff Green played 40 minutes with a bad back. I can’t count the number of times he fell to the floor. Zach Randolph logged in 38 minutes after playing the same amount of minutes Friday night against the Jazz. Courtney Lee played 37 minutes tonight. He was gassed Friday night against the Jazz after playing 33 minutes and having to run around after Gordon Hayward.

There’s no moral victories but I respect this team with the heart they had on the floor last night. Without 3 of their core four, they took this Clippers team to the distance. That’s something they can be proud of.

Game Notes

1) Grizzlies shot 44.2% from the field while the Clippers shot only 39.8%.

2) Grizzlies won the points in the paint battle 52-40.

3) Grizzlies bench outscored Clippers bench 23-18.

4) Grizzlies gave up 18 turnovers, while the Clippers gave up 13.

5) Zach Randolph led the way for the Grizz with 21 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

6) Jeff Green added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and one block.

7) Beno Udrih got the start for Mike Conley. He chipped in 14 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal.

8) JaMychal Green played a good 17 minutes. He had 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block and 1 assist.

9) Kosta Koufos led the bench unit with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

10) Blake Griffin reminded Grizz fans why he’s to be hated. He took cheap shots at Kosta, Beno and Jeff Green. I really hope the Grizz meet them again in the playoffs! Grizz fans have a good memory!!

Up Next

The Grizzlies take on the Golden State Warriors Monday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA at 9:30 pm.