Before we get to Russell Westbrook and the first game of this Clippers-Grizzlies mini-series, there were several updates that came just hours before tip-off:
Memphis: Bane, Jackson, and Jones were late scratches. The Grizzlies started Morant, Kennard, Brooks, Aldama, and Tillman.
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard was a late scratch, out of “personal reasons,” although there was no reporting regarding the specifics. It seems like he will be available on Friday, but that is not certain yet. Terance Mann started in his place.
Although both teams were going into the game short-handed, getting an opportunity to play the Grizzlies without two of their starters instantly made this a must-win game. And win the Clippers did. Check out our preview below:
Summary
First Half
This game was one of runs from the start. In the first half, both teams held double-digit leads and there were six lead changes. Both teams shot well, though the Clippers were on fire through two quarters (59.5% from the field and 55% from three). The Grizzlies were able to go into halftime down just six, despite shooting poorly from three, because they took nine more shots than the Clippers. They earned the extra attempts through eight offensive rebounds and five steals.
Second Half
Memphis won the third quarter by six, evening the score going into the fourth quarter. The Clippers continued to shoot well, but the Grizzlies continued to get offensive rebounds (four in the third quarter) and the Clippers got sloppy with the ball. Throughout the game, in fact, the Clippers continued to waste fast break opportunities by throwing passes into the stands. The Grizzlies were led in part by Dillon Brooks, who had one of his best games of the season. He finished with 30 points on 12/24 shooting. Ja Morant, of course, terrorized the Clippers, putting up 36 points (including 12 made free throws).
But the Clippers’ role-players-turned-stars were too much for the Grizzlies. Russell Westbrook, Robert Covington, and Bones Hyland were all spectacular on offense (more on them below)—and their shot making sustained throughout the fourth quarter. In the end, the Clippers were able to secure enough stops (and defensive rebounds) to win the fourth quarter by nine.
Notes
Norman Powell Returns: After missing several games with a shoulder injury, Norm Powell returned tonight. He played 24 minutes, finishing with 13 points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals. He shot OK from the field (4/9), but went 2/6 from three. He also had four turnovers—more than 25% of the team’s total. Rust is understandable, though, and overall he was a positive influence on the game.
Gold Medal: Russell Westbrook
Westbrook was awesome tonight. He put up 36 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and two blocks in 35 minutes. He was also incredibly efficient: 13/18 from the floor (72%) and a perfect 5/5 from three. This game is the type of game one imagined when Russ came to the Clippers: when Kawhi and/or PG are out, the Clippers needed someone who could be a one-man wrecking crew. Tonight, we saw the best version of that idea.
Silver Medal: Robert Covington
Covington has gotten opportunities lately, with Marcus Morris, Sr. out with illness. And, tonight, he took full advantage of the minutes. He had 27 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 31 minutes. Like Russell, he was super efficient: 9/10 from the field and also perfect from three (7/7).
Bronze Medal: Bones Hyland
Bones, along with Covington, led the bench unit, who really won the game for the Clippers. He was +11 in 22 minutes, finishing with 20 points (8/14 from the field) and six assists. His pace (although he did mess up a few fast breaks) helped the Clippers keep the pressure on the Grizzlies in the second half. He also hit a few bail-out type of shots on possessions that did not look promising.
That about does it for this recap of the Clippers’ win over the Grizzlies. As always, check out The Lob The Jam The Podcast and Clips ‘N Dip for analysis throughout the week, and follow us on Twitter to watch the game with us!
