The Grizzlies, who outscored the Clippers by eight to eight in the fourth quarter for their fourth win in five games, went 3–1 in West Group B, failing to secure a wild card into the knockout round as the Phoenix Suns had the better point differential.
Vincent Williams Jr. scored 16 points and Santi Aldama added 13 points off the bench for the Grizzlies, who have a three-game winning streak after losing their last five games away from home. Zach Eddy had 21 rebounds and five points.
Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points in 29 minutes for the Clippers, who have lost six consecutive games at home, their last win coming on Oct. 31 at the Intuit Dome. James Harden had 23 points.
Memphis struggled to get its offense going in the first half, relying on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s long-range shooting to provide some pop. They got the lead in the third quarter, overcoming a 16-point deficit to get within 81–78 to end the period, and that continued until Cedric Coward gave the Grizzlies their first lead early in the fourth.
The Clippers started off strong by hitting three 3-pointers to start the game and shot 6 of 9 from long range in the first quarter, but they finished 12 of 38 (31.6%).
Clippers point guard Chris Paul received a video tribute at his first home game since announcing his retirement at the end of the season. Paul finished with five points and two rebounds in 15 minutes.
Grizzlies: At Sacramento on Sunday.
Clippers: Host Dallas on Saturday.
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