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Clippers center Ivica Zubac battles for the ball against the Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman during the second half of Wednesday’s game at Staples Center. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Grayson Allen #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots over Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers reaches for the tip off against Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Fans look on in the first half of a NBA basketball game between the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers reacts after a foul against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers fights for the ball against Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers passes against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers shoots over Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots over Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Grayson Allen #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots over Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Staples center usher holds a sign asking fans to wear their mask in the first half of a NBA basketball game between the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers shoots against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers is fouled against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers is fouled against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers controls the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts towards referee Kevin Cutler #34 in the first half of a NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers fights for the ball against Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies n the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes behind Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes behind Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers passes against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers slam dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reads after slam dunking against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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LA Clippers mascot, Chuck the Mascot in the first half of a NBA basketball game between the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Luke Kennard #5 of the LA Clippers passes against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies rejects Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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The Clippers’ Luke Kennard handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Grayson Allen defends during the first half of Wednesday’s game at Staples Center. Kennard scored a season-high 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting, tying a career-high with six 3-pointers on just seven attempts in a 117-105 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers against Memphis Grizzlies during a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Xavier Tillman (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Grayson Allen (3) reaches for a loose ball under Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and forward Xavier Tillman (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman (2) vies for loose ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr., left, and guard Luke Kennard during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) grabs a rebound over Memphis Grizzlies guard De’Anthony Melton (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins gestures from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Clippers’ Terance Mann (14) reacts after dunking against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers reacts to his dunk against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, top, commits an offensive foul on Los Angeles Clippers center DeMarcus Cousins during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the LA Clippers falls during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers handles the ball defended by Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., left, shoots over Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers makes the shot defended by Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers passes the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers blocks a shot by Justise Winslow #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies and is called for goalkeeping during the game at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. signals after making a 3-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Yogi Ferrell #11 of the LA Clippers handles the ball defended by Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Amir Coffey #7 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket defended by Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers handles the ball defended by Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots after being fouled by Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the LA Clippers at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Luke Kennard #5 of the LA Clippers looks to pass the ball defended by Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the LA Clippers shoots defended by Justise Winslow #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Luke Kennard #5 of the LA Clippers handles the ball defended by Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Daniel Oturu #10 of the LA Clippers looks on during introductions before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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Fans look on in the first half of a NBA basketball game between the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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A usher sits along empty seats holding a sign that asks fans to keep their masks on in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center between the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — Who’s gonna slow their roll?
Not Memphis, not on Wednesday.
With the Clippers’ stars joining the live stadium audience as spectators, the Clippers’ supporting cast came through again, those oft-used role players displaying a deep reserve of desire as they rallied from an 18-point first-half deficit to beat the Grizzles going away, 117-105, in front of an announced crowd of 1,782 fans at Staples Center.
The Clippers improved to 42-19 overall, and 11-1 in the second game of back-to-back sets this season. They won their third game in a row and their 16th in 19 outings – and they did it despite having darn near as many players unavailable as they had available to play.
“I tell you, our guys just stuck together,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, who had to deploy his 22nd different starting lineup of the season. “Got down early, down 18 and being resilient, just keep fighting, keep trying to find ways to win. Never fragmented, we stayed together the whole time, never pointing fingers, and we just kept playing … it was a total team effort, just so proud of the guys.”
They won without six integral pieces: All-Star Paul George (rest), Reggie Jackson (rest) and Rajon Rondo (right wrist inflammation) all were ruled out Wednesday. All-Star Kawhi Leonard (foot soreness), Pat Beverley (hand fracture) and Serge Ibaka (back tightness) are expected to miss additional games.
And despite the fact that Memphis, meanwhile, got a lift from the season debut of 2019 All-Rookie selection Jaren Jackson Jr., who gave the Grizzlies a spark off the bench Wednesday with 15 points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
Early on, it seemed as though the Clippers – who debuted diminutive point guard Yogi Ferrell and continued to work in veteran big man DeMarcus Cousins, both 10-day-contract holders – might not be able to keep pace with the young, athletic Grizzlies.
L.A. fell behind in a hurry, trailing 38-20 with 1:21 left in the first quarter. The Clippers allowed 39 first-quarter points – both the most they’d given up in an opening quarter all season and the most a Grizzlies team has scored in the first quarter since Jan. 4, 2020, when they put up 40 points in the first quarter in a win … in L.A. against the Clippers.
The Clippers never mounted a challenge that sour afternoon, falling 140-114.
This Clippers team, though, kept scrapping, as it has so many times this season.
They got Luke Kennard going and keyed in defensively, holding Memphis to 43 second-half points and forcing their way to the free-throw line to chip away at the margin.
L.A. tied the score at 75-all on three free throws by Amir Coffey with 3:38 left in the third quarter. They took a 77-75 lead on Terance Mann’s free throws.
In all, the home team went 12 for 17 at the free-throw line in the third quarter alone, a tally that equaled or surpassed the Clippers’ total in 24 games this season – a proliferation of freebies that helped turn the tide.
Overall, the Clippers shot a season-high 36 free throws, making 27 of them.
Kennard didn’t score in the first quarter, but he nonetheless poured in a season-high 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting, tying a career-high with six 3-pointers on just seven attempts.
Explained Lue: “In the first half, they did a great job of top blocking Luke all over the floor … they did a good job of just being physical and trying to take him off the shot and pushing everything down. So at halftime, our adjustment was just run floppy, so now you come off both sides and you can’t top block and keep him on one side of the floor. We pretty much ran floppy for the whole second half, just to bring him and Nico (Batum) and those guys off of screens. And if the shot wasn’t there, we just posted the basketball with Marcus (Morris Sr.), Cousins and (Ivica Zubac).
“It pretty much was like old-school basketball, but just being able to control the tempo and running floppy and posting the basketball in the second half.”
In other words, as Kennard saw it: “Coach Lue, he’s great at making in-game adjustments really fast.”
Lue also counseled Ferrell not to worry about fitting in, to play aggressively. And the fleet-footed, 6-foot guard followed direction, finishing with eight points and seven assists without a turnover in his first 20 minutes as a Clipper.
His new teammates might have impressed Ferrell as much as he did them.
“Man, the culture of this team is great,” Ferrell said. “Everybody’s positive, nobody gets down. They’re not pointing fingers. When we were down, nobody was pointing fingers. We just stayed in the fight, played defense, played together and when you got all those things clicking, that’s how we can win.”
Cousins was a part of that too, with six points, a team-high 10 rebounds, a lip laceration as a result of a Jackson Jr. elbow in the first half, and perhaps most importantly: three drawn charges.
“Those are winning plays,” Lue said. “Anytime you’re willing to sacrifice your body, step in front of a guy who is driving full speed and take a charge, those are winning plays. That’s the first thing we addressed when we came into the locker room; those are winning plays.
“You need those kinds of plays, especially for a veteran guy who is the caliber of player that he is. To be willing to step in and take charges, that’s huge for the team. That’s a foul for another player, but also stops the momentum of a team. So that was huge for us.”
Morris added 25 points, eclipsing 15 points for the sixth consecutive game. Mann was assigned point guard duties for the night and helped push the pace, finishing with 19 points and seven assists.
And in his and the Clippers’ 61st game this season, Ivica Zubac battled in the post, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies (29-28) with 22 points, 17 of which he scored before halftime.
Yogi Ferrell pokes it away and lobs for Terance Mann cutting to the rim!
From 18 down, the @LAClippers lead heading into the 4th on NBA TV.
: https://t.co/VexAprpikW pic.twitter.com/JInyT5aT11
— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2021
BALL MOVEMENT! TIE GAME!
@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/Nzm24ZngzQ
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 22, 2021
Luke Kennard scored a season-high 28 points tonight after going scoreless in the 1st quarter! Hear from him after the game with @Kristina_Pink!@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/X8ABZy6kzC
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 22, 2021
Ty Lue couldn’t be more impressed with the @LAClippers drive to find ways to win especially so short-handed tonight! #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/0XYLO4mkRk
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 22, 2021
TMann continues to impress this season and led the @LAClippers with 7 assists running point tonight! #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/ainxG4T1wC
— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) April 22, 2021
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