On Saturday, the Los Angeles Clippers were able to take a 2-1 series lead in their opening-round NBA Playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Behind superstar point guard Chris Paul, the Clippers were able to mount their second fourth-quarter comeback of the series and pick up the win in front of a jubliant home crowd at the Staples Center. Fans are certainly counting their blessings after the victory.
Steve Perrin over at Clips Nation had this to say about the big win:
It's an amazing feeling to know that Chris Paul is on the team heading into the fourth quarter, I'll say that. If the Clippers are within striking distance late in the game, I tend to assume that Paul will manufacture a win. Which he did today. He hit a three on the first possession of the fourth to cut the lead to four. And with the score tied at 80, he first hit a short jumper to take the lead, then found Griffin for a dunk to make it four, and finally hit the free throws that stretched it to six. He also had several steals and deflections in the fourth, as for the second time in three games the Clippers defense really clamped down in the final stanza. Gay's three pointers aside, the Grizzlies struggled to score in the fourth. In fact, prior to those last 20 seconds, they had made only one field goal.
I think all the games in this series are going to be tight. Game 4 will be huge. The Grizzlies broke back in Memphis after the Clippers won Game 1, so neither team has been able to put together back to back wins so far. If the Clippers manage to do so, they take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. If the Grizzlies win, the regain home court advantage.
But whoever wins, it seems like it's going to be close. And if it's close, the Clippers are the team with Chris Paul.
For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
