LA Clippers fight to the finish, take down Grizzlies in thrilling conference showdown

The LA Clippers put forth a total team effort in an overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies to reclaim the top spot in the Western Conference.

The LA Clippers needed an all-around team effort today against the (formerly) Western Conference-leading Memphis Grizzlies, finishing them off in overtime by a final score of 112-107.

LA stayed in it all the way through, playing at Memphis’ pace for a majority of the game and tailing the rough-and-tough Grizzlies by the smallest of margins. But once Avery Bradley forced Mike Conley into fouling out late in the fourth quarter, momentum completely flipped in the Clippers’ direction. According to Fox Sports West’s Jeanne Zelasko, the LA Clippers outscored the Grizzlies 27-14 after Conley fouled out of the game.

Once he came out, the Grizzlies’ shortcomings on offense became opportunities for the Clippers to claw back into the game. No players were as important to Los Angeles down the stretch than Montrezl Harrell, Danilo Gallinari, Lou Williams, and Bradley.

Harrell, in a career-high 34 minutes and 34 seconds, went off for 22 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. He connected on eight of his 10 attempts from the free throw line as well, bringing his season average just above 71 percent.

Gallinari looked like his usual self today, logging 20 points and nine rebounds in a team-high 39 minutes. He also knocked down the game-tying free throws that eventually sent the contest into overtime.

Gallo was a non-factor against the Washington Wizards after missing Monday’s matchup with the Atlanta Hawks due to an illness. On Tuesday, he was 0-for-8 from the floor and recorded more fouls than he did points. His recovery and effort today was much needed.

Sweet Lou, as usual, did what he needed to do in the fourth quarter and the overtime period. Eight of his 15 points came in the final six minutes of the game, including two consecutive buckets late in the fourth that made it a one-point game.

Bradley went for 13 points, three assists, and a game-saving steal in what was arguably his best performance of the season. With five seconds remaining in overtime, Grizzlies forward Garrett Temple pulled up for what would have been a game-tying three-pointer. Instead, Bradley swatted it out of his hands near the peak of his release, never allowing Memphis the opportunity to tie.

The win put the Clippers atop the Western Conference standings in a three-way tie between themselves, the Grizzlies, and the Portland Trail Blazers, who LA will play next on Sunday.

It was LA’s most resilient and gritty showing of the young season, and another that proved they can run with — and defeat — the best.