Marc Gasol had 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over the Los Angeles Clippers 92-80 in Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series on Wednesday night at FedEx Forum in Memphis. The loss cut the Clippers' lead in the best-of-seven series to three games to two.
Much like Game 1, the Clippers fell behind big. Memphis led by as many as 24 points in the third quarter, but the Clippers clawed their way to an six-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Chris Paul had 19 points and six assists for the Clippers, but strained his right groin in the fourth quarter. Mo Williams scored 20 points off the bench for the Clippers.
Zach Randolph scored 19 points and had 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, while Rudy Gay added 14 points.
Blake Griffin suffered a hyperextended left knee in the third quarter, but after briefly getting examined by team trainers he returned to the game. Griffin scored 15 and had 11 rebounds in the game.
Game 6 is Friday night at 6 p.m. at Staples Center.
For more news and notes on the Clippers or this first round NBA playoff series, be sure to read Clips Nation.
