Grizzlies Whoop That Clip, Rout Clippers 107-91

Nov 23, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies were firing on all cylinders on Sunday night, earning a rout of the Los Angeles Clippers by a final score of 107-91– their 22nd straight home win.

Strong play by Marc Gasol and the crowd-pleasing antics from Tony Allen, the Grindfather, led to the impressive win for the Grizzlies. Another statement was made by the Grizz tonight as they continued to show why they are the NBA’s best team. This was perhaps the most opportune time in doing so because the most unwelcomed team to enter The Grindhouse came to Memphis looking to derail M-Town’s winning ways.

Whenever the Grizz play the Clippers, no matter the score or the outcome, you can always anticipate a few scuffles or near brawls. These two teams dislike each other to no end. Tears and blood are both sometimes involved, too, when these two teams meet, and tonight was no different.

You can find the recap of all the Grits of the Grind below.

First Half

Marc Gasol took immediate control of the game with an array of offensive moves that were too much for center DeAndre Jordan to even attempt to handle. Big Spain was determined from the start, and the outcome, along with the box score, entirely shows this. From this, the Grizz were able to jump out to an early lead and build upon it through the remainder of the first half. Memphis led by five after the first quarter. This number would only grow.

Tony Allen accompanied Gasol by leading the team with his typical energetic defense and enthusiasm on the court. Allen stole the top highlight for the night by having a thunderous two-handed put-back dunk off of Courtney Lee’s missed shot attempt at the rim.

Marc Gasol led all players from both teams in scoring with a big 20 points in the first half and the Memphis Grizzlies led the Clippers 65-42 at halftime. No Clipper had more than nine points at the half.

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Second Half

Between these two teams, things are always getting heated whenever they play each other. In the third quarter, Marc Gasol’s elbow collided with Blake Griffin’s face on a Gasol shot attempt, reminiscent of last season’s skirmish involving Tony Allen’s leg meeting Chris Paul’s head. Griffin’s nose became bloodied, but he was able to finish the game.

Los Angeles narrowed the Grizzly lead to eight, but Memphis had a strong response– back-to-back three-pointers. This became a trend in the second half, with the Clippers trying to dig themselves out of a deep hole, but the Grizzlies disallowing Los Angeles of making any possible comeback. A driving dunk by Marc Gasol and hot shooting kept the home crowd alive– increasing the Grizzlies’ tempo.

The Grizz entered the fourth quarter with an 88-72 lead over Los Angeles. Although Memphis’ lead grew to greater than 20 points, the Clippers pushed one last time. Los Angeles got within 12 points, but they could not find a way to land a heavier punch. With the Grizzly bench holding its own tonight with excellent contributions from Quincy Pondexter (11 points), Beno Udrih (11 points), and Jon Leuer (9 points), Memphis was able to put together a complete game in which they wanted the victory more than the Clippers. The Grizzlies have been demonstrating tremendous team basketball, so their dominant record should not come as a surprise.

The box score, produced by ESPN, can be found here.

Key Game Notes

• All Grizz players that were sickly earlier in the week with a stomach virus were cleared and activated to play for Sunday’s game.
• Nick Calathes was reinstated from his drug policy violation suspension tonight after missing the previous 20 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2013-14 season.
• Calathes saw just over eight minutes of playing time in his first game of the 2014-15 season, but only registered one rebound and zero points.
• The Grizzly bench thankfully showed up, scoring a total of 35 bench points tonight versus L.A.
• The Memphis crowd broke out their “Whoop That Clip” chant late in the fourth quarter with the Grizz holding a large lead.
• There were surprisingly zero technical foul calls during this intense matchup.
• The Grizz have not lost a home game since February 5, 2014.
• Chris Paul was his normal solid self with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
• The Grizzlies’ frontcourt contained Blake Griffin (12 points, four rebounds) and DeAndre Jordan (two points, three rebounds).
• Memphis shot 49.4% from the field while Los Angeles shot just 41.6%.
• Memphis also outrebounded the Los Angeles Clippers 52 to 32 while turning the ball over more (17 to 10 respectively).

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

• Marc Gasol was on fire tonight, scoring 30 points on 13/18 shooting to go with his 12 boards, two blocks, and one assist, while logging just one turnover and two fouls in just under 34 minutes of play.
• Zach Randolph barely missed the double-double mark with his game total of 10 points and eight rebounds.
• Courtney Lee scored 13 points (including three of five from three-point range), but had five turnovers.
• Mike Conley’s stat line was not as impressive as most of his other performances this season (7 points on 2/6 field goals, 7 assists, 0 steals).

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies will be looking to improve upon their 12-2 record as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers this Wednesday evening in L.A.

Go Grizz!