Highlights: Shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies Fumble in L.A.

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) as he attempts to move the ball to the basket during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies held tight in a crucial game for optimum postseason positioning, but they fell short after losing Marc Gasol to injury early in the game.

94. 77. 86. 211. Final

The Memphis Grizzlies made multiple strong runs in last night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Even when they were faced with an 11-point deficit, the Grizz were able to claw their way back.

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (left) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) battle for the ball during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis became shorthanded after Marc Gasol went down with an ankle injury. He tried to stay in the game, but he was not able to last long. He soon returned to the bench, followed by a return to the floor; however, his ankle was too tender to play on and he had to call it a night. Through the remaining three quarters, Memphis saw Kosta Koufos shine in replacement of Big Spain. Zach Randolph also displayed many reasons why he is the Grizzlies’ heart, soul, and leader.

Koufos ended the night with eight points and seven rebounds. Z-Bo recorded an impressive 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Aside from these two bigs, it was still a solid performance by the squad as a whole. The Memphis Grizzlies were already without starters Mike Conley and Tony Allen before Gasol went down.

Although the battle went down to the final minute, the Memphis Grizzlies came up short by a final score of 86-94. This result means that the Grizzlies and the Clippers now own the same exact record, for now, at 54-26.

The box score, produced by ESPN, can be found here. Looking for full highlights from yesterday evening? Look no further than here:

Memphis is now hoping for the New Orleans Pelicans to defeat the San Antonio Spurs this week in order to keep their hopes alive for their first ever Southwest Division title as well as rights to the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed.

Even if the Grizzlies win out the remainder of their scheduled games, if San Antonio does the same–including the Spurs’ game versus the Pelicans, they will then own the tiebreaker against the Grizzlies and will surpass Memphis. A very busy week is ahead in the NBA to say the least.

Keep it locked on Beale Street Bears as we head into the final week of the NBA’s regular season. Make us your central spot for all Memphis Grizzlies 2015 NBA Playoffs coverage!

Go Grizz!

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