The Los Angeles Clippers took down the Memphis Grizzlies 128-108, extending their win streak to five games. The Clippers looked dominant against a Grizzlies team still struggling to find its footing without Ja Morant.
Clippers’ performance and key players
The Clippers put on a strong offensive show against the Grizzlies, leading to a decisive victory, outscoring Memphis 68-42 in the second half.
Several key players contributed to the win. James Harden scored 30 points, while Kawhi Leonard racked up 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ivica Zubac also had a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Assistant coach Brian Shaw filled in for head coach Tyronn Lue, who was sidelined with back pain. Under Shaw, the Clippers have a record of 4 wins and 1 loss.
The Clippers have been playing well lately, winning 8 of their last 9 games.
Grizzlies’ Struggles and Morant’s Absence
The Grizzlies are definitely feeling the absence of Ja Morant, who missed his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury. The numbers tell the story: with Morant in the lineup, the Grizzlies are 28-15. Without him, they’re 15-13.
Jaren Jackson Jr. did his best to pick up the slack, scoring 23 points for Memphis. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Clippers, who seemed to capitalize on the Grizzlies’ overall struggles without their star player.
Game Statistics and Season Standings
Here’s a look at some of the game stats and where the teams stand in the Western Conference.
Key Game Statistics
- The Los Angeles Clippers took the win, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 128-108.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic put up 16 points in the game.
Western Conference Standings
- The Clippers are sitting in a pretty good spot in the Western Conference standings.
- They’re only one game behind the Golden State Warriors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Memphis the Grizzlies?
When the team moved from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001, they kept the Grizzlies name. The name was originally chosen for Vancouver due to the prevalence of grizzly bears in British Columbia, even though grizzlies aren’t native to the Memphis area. It’s one of those quirks of sports team history!
What is the Lakers record vs. Grizzlies?
The Lakers and Grizzlies have a long-standing rivalry, and their head-to-head record is always a topic of discussion. As of my last update, the Lakers hold a winning record against the Grizzlies, but these stats are constantly changing, so check a reliable sports source for the most current information.
Why are the Clippers called that?
The Clippers got their name back when they were located in San Diego. The team was named after the clipper ships that were common in the San Diego Bay. When the team moved to Los Angeles, they kept the name, even though clipper ships aren’t as associated with LA. Sort of like the Grizzlies in Memphis, right?
Is Ja Morant playing against the Clippers?
Whether or not Ja Morant is playing in a specific game against the Clippers depends on various factors, including injuries, suspensions, or scheduled rest days. The best way to find out is to check the official NBA injury report or a reliable sports news outlet closer to the game day.
Putting It All Together
The Clippers’ win against the Grizzlies underscores their current momentum. They’re now 3-0 against Memphis this season, and they’ve won their last six contests against them.
For the Grizzlies, the challenge is clear: they need to figure out how to win without Ja Morant.