The Los Angeles Clippers had their second straight hard fought home win over the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night in Game 4 of their first round playoff series at Staples Center, and the 101-97 overtime conquest gave the Clippers a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Grizzlies. The two stars came to play Monday, with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading Los Angeles to victory.
Paul scored eight of his 27 points in overtime, and nearly finished with a triple-double as he led the team in both rebounds (nine) and assists (seven). The folks at Clips Nation think that will lead to a Memphis defensive change in Game 5 on Wednesday.
"Chris Paul was masterful tonight in the overtime period. You can be sure that the Grizzlies are going to do their best to take the ball out of his hand now, particularly in late game situations," wrote johnnyoc21. "The likely response is to trap him on every pick n roll. This is easier said than done, but the Clippers need to be ready to adjust, and Mo Williams, Randy Foye, and the rest of the Clipper shooters need to be ready to respond."
Griffin scored a playoff high 30 points in Game 4 before fouling out in overtime. He was an offensive force, causing trouble for Zach Randolph or whomever was trying to guard him. At halftime, Steve Perin of Clips Nation noticed Griffin was getting to Randolph.
"Zach Randolph has some issues with the Clippers right now," Perrin wrote. "Reggie Evans is defending the crap out of him, and Blake Griffin is in his head on the other end. I've seen this look in Z-Bo's eyes before -- he's about to throw a punch."
Randolph didn't throw a punch, but he did get a technical foul and was held to 12 points and nine rebounds.
Game 5 is Wednesday night in Memphis.
For more news and notes about Clippers basketball and for further NBA playoff coverage, be sure to read Clips Nation.
