Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Los Angeles Clippers

As the season approaches, let’s see how the Memphis Grizzlies match up against the Los Angeles Clippers. Is the rivalry still alive?

Let’s get this straight right now: the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers rivalry is dead.

That’s right. It’s dead. No reason to treat them with the same hatred as before. No more Chris Paul. The Blake Griffin vs. Zach Randolph fights have become a California-exclusive thing. No more Tony Allen. It’s just not the same rivalry.

While these two teams will be battling out for a playoff spot this season, there won’t be the same bad blood as before.

Maybe new point guard Patrick Beverley will ignite a new chapter in this heated rivalry. Or, Chandler Parsons can annoy Blake Griffin on the court instead of on the plane. Danilo Gallinari could break his hand punching someone on the Grizzlies.

You just never know in this rivalry.

As these teams enter new chapters, which one will prevail? Will “Grit ‘n’ Grind” topple “Lob City?

Starting Lineup

PG – Patrick Beverley

SG – Austin Rivers

SF – Danilo Gallinari

PF – Blake Griffin

C – DeAndre Jordan

Advantages for the Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley

Last season against the Clippers, Mike Conley was a complete savage, averaging 22.5 points and 8.5 assists in their four contests. In addition, he shot a scorching 51.7 percent (15-for-29 from deep). He did all that against Chris Paul — a annual member of the All-Defensive Team. This season, he’ll battle against Patrick Beverley — a pesky elite defender. If Conley oozes that same confidence he possessed against them, he should lift the Grizzlies past the Clippers.

Marc Gasol’s 3-point shooting

Remember last year when Marc Gasol imitated Conor McGregor after a game-clinching 3-pointer? Yeah, that was against the Clippers:

Whenever Gasol’s 3-point shot is on, it opens up the floor for the Memphis Grizzlies. In the process, it drags opposing big men out to guard him. The Clippers have one of the league’s best rim protectors in DeAndre Jordan. If Gasol can get Jordan away from the paint, it’ll open up opportunities for slashing perimeter players.

Advantages for the Clippers

Blake Griffin

Without Chris Paul, Blake Griffin will emerge as the primary playmaker for the Clippers. Some may not be worried, but you should be. Griffin has proven to be one of the best passing big men in basketball.

Over the years, he quietly expanded his game to become more than a dunker. His dribbling has improved immensely. His jump-shot is something you have to cover. However, his passing has been a true revelation. Since the 2014-15 season, he’s averaged 5.1 assists per game. Without Paul, that number should increase as he’ll find Jordan for lobs and shooters ready to fire.

DeAndre Jordan’s rebounding

Gasol’s outside shooting will be a weapon, but Jordan’s rebounding is alarming — especially when you look at Marc’s numbers. Jordan was one of the league’s best rebounders as Gasol didn’t even crack the top 50.

If Jordan snags easy offensive rebounds for put-back slams, it’ll be a long night for Gasol and the Grizzlies.

Closing Remarks

It’ll be much harder to hate the Clippers this year without Chris Paul, but this team will still be dangerous. Blake Griffin is a superstar-level player — when healthy. New additions Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari give the Clippers more defense, scoring and outside shooting. Milos Tedosic is a passing wizard. Then, I guess DeAndre Jordan is an All-Star — super debatable though.

When healthy, they’ll have the perfect blend of offensive and defensive versatility. They won’t be a title contender by any means, but they could scare the league’s elite in a first round matchup.

However, despite that, let’s hope the Memphis Grizzlies crush the Clippers’ playoff dreams.

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