Chris Paul had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the first half to the Los Angeles Clippers to a 39-38 halftime lead over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 7 of their first round NBA playoff series on Sunday afternoon at FedEx Forum in Memphis. The Clippers are trying for their first Game 7 win in franchise history, on their third attempt.
Paul made five of his 10 field goal attempts, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, but the Clippers shot just 36.6% (15 for 41) in the opening half. Blake Griffin had six points on 2-of-10 shooting, to go along with four rebounds.
Caron Butler added four points and four rebounds for the Clippers, who led by as many as 10 points in the opening half.
Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph continued to create problems for the Clippers in the first half. Gasol had nine points and three rebounds for Memphis, while Randolph had seven points and seven rebounds. But Randolph made only two of eight shots for the Grizzlies, who shot a putrid 32.5% (13 for 40) in the first half.
The winner of Game 7 will advance to play the top seeded San Antonio Spurs in the second round, beginning Tuesday night in San Antonio.
For more in depth discussion and analysis of the Los Angeles Clippers, be sure to read Clips Nation. For more on the Grizzlies, check out Straight Outta Vancouver.
