Tyronn Lue issues strong statement on Grizzlies after 101-95 loss to Clippers

In their first lick of action following the illustrious All-Star break, the Memphis Grizzlies put forth an impressive showing against one of the league's elite squads, the LA Clippers.

Though they may not have come away with a victory as they previously did against the equally hungry Milwaukee Bucks and, thus, saw their win-streak snap at just two games, Taylor Jenkins' club battled until the final buzzer and even saw themselves take the lead with just over two minutes left in regulation.

Of course, in the end, the better and, more importantly, the healthier team prevailed, as Los Angeles pulled out a 101-95 win while on the road.

Still, despite the loss, during his postgame press conference Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue couldn't help but praise the Grizzlies for their efforts, as he credited their hustle and physicality as being major challenges his club had to overcome on the night.

Tyronn Lue praises Grizzlies for efforts during bout against Clippers

"I though their physicality, the way they pressured and got to us really took us out of what we wanted to do offensively. We got to be able to handle that pressure. Also double-teaming, things we go over every single day, we didn't do a good job of executing. We got to be better with that as well."

- Tyronn Lue

Seemingly locked in on defense right from the jump, despite going up against a three-headed offensive monster in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden the Grizzlies still managed to hold the Clippers to a rather pedestrian 44.0 percent shooting from the floor and 37.5 percent shooting from deep while also forcing them into 20 turnovers, matching their total assists number on the night.

On top of this, Memphis held Harden to 0-for-7 shooting from the field for essentially the entire game, only to have him cash in on quite a lucky long-distance heave with just 46 seconds remaining on the game clock.

Unfortunately, his one make proved to be the dagger for Jenkins' team.

Though the standings don't show moral victories, during this gap season that the Grizzlies are currently in the midst of, a performance such as this is something that should have fans and players come away from with pride.

While a win would have been ideal, taking a legitimate title contender down to the wire during such a challenging year is something that, in many ways, should be admired.