Clippers’ guard Norman Powell scored 29 points, including a go-ahead jumper in the final thirty seconds, to lead the Los Angeles Clippers over Memphis 114-110 at the FedEx Forum on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The loss ends an eight-game winning streak for Memphis, who had won 10 of 12 prior to the matchup against the Clippers.
Both teams offer a study in contrasts, with the Grizzlies preferring to push the pace, to the Clippers’ preference for a slower tempo half-court game. In the season’s first matchup between the two Western Conference squads, the latter proved more effective.
“I give the [Los Angeles] Clippers a lot of credit. I thought their size and physicality hurt us. Thirty-one points off our turnovers, it’s going to be hard to win an NBA game,” lamented Grizzlies’ coach Taylor Jenkins.
Powell’s 14-foot jump shot put the Clippers up 112-100 with 25.1 seconds on the clock. The guard led all scorers, after hitting 50 percent from the field, including four out of eight from deep.
The Grizzlies had an opportunity to tie or take the lead, but the attempt fizzled after a Ja Morant turnover. The point guard committed seven of Memphis’ 20 turnovers.
Morant was back in the lineup after missing two games with a back injury. He finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists.
“I got to be better; I slowed it down a little bit too much. Kind of went back to old ways, trying to go into the pick-and-roll just because it was dropped coverage, and it kind of messed us up a little bit. I just got to come out the gate and dictate the game and have the pace and momentum on our time,” said Morant.
The Clippers iced the game 114-110, after a personal foul by Desmond Bane sent Powell to the line with five seconds on the clock.
The Clippers outscored Memphis 40-32 in the third quarter to end the period with a 91-90 edge. Memphis entered the second half with a 58-51 lead.
James Harden added 21 points and eight assists for Los Angeles.
Grizzlies’ guard Jaylen Wells was matched up against the perennial all-star much of the game. The rookie compared the task to guarding another all-star.
“Strong, strong, smart player. I think probably the closest matchups this year is probably Luka [Doncic], who knows how to foul and things like that,” complimented Wells.
Los Angeles big man Ivan Zubac took advantage in the post, scoring 20 points and grabbing 20 rebounds to lead all players. The Clippers center also held Grizzlies’ rookie Zach Edey scoreless.
However, the Purdue product did exhibit strong play on the other end of the floor. Edey recently returned after missing eight games with a left ankle injury.
“I was encouraged with the activity from Zach. Seven offensive rebounds, seven defensive rebounds, three block shots. He was executing our game plan. There were a couple of mistakes there, where he was supposed to be our cover guy, all things that he’s working through. Offensively, he’s just got to continue to find his groove,” said Jenkins.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points. He also added 6 rebounds. Bane added 21 points and seven assists to lead the category for the Grizzlies.
Scottie Pippen Jr. added 13 points off the bench on 5-10 shooting, while forward Santi Aldama contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds in reserve.
Backup point guard Marcus Smart sat the game out for the Grizzlies with an injured right index finger. Forward GG Jackson, guard Vince Williams and center Jay Huff were also scratched from the game due to various injuries.
Memphis’ record falls to 20-10. The Clippers are 17-13.
The Grizzlies host the Toronto Raptors at the FedEx Forum on Thursday, Dec. at 7 p.m. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. It is the final game of the calendar year.
