Clippers at Grizzlies
THE STORY:
Two of the Western Conference’s hottest teams square off when the Los
Angeles Clippers visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Memphis has won
seven of nine games since losing to the Clippers on March 24 after
downing the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Clippers have been even
hotter by winning eight of nine games after dispatching the Sacramento
Kings on Saturday. Los Angeles is one-half game behind the Los Angeles
Lakers in the Pacific Division race.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), SportSouth (Memphis)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (34-22):
Guard Randy Foye is enjoying a hot stretch in which he is averaging
20.1 points over the last six games. Foye scored 25 points and made 7 of
9 3-pointers against Sacramento in his second major long-range
artillery fest in four games. Foye matched the franchise record with
eight 3-pointers against Dallas on April 2. He also is aware the
presence of stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul is a big benefit. “The
credit goes to my teammates,” Foye said. “My teammates draw so much
attention. Chris and Blake find me and I’m standing there and those are
shots I practice all the time, so I better make them.”
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (32-23): Guard Gilbert Arenas is fitting in with
Memphis and also draining shots on an impressive basis. The
controversial veteran who didn’t have a NBA job until signing with the
Grizzlies last month is averaging 11.0 points over the last four games
while knocking down 10 of 15 3-point shots. “It has been great because
these guys have accepted me,” Arenas said. “I realized how much I really
missed the game while I was gone.” Arenas scored a season-high 14 point
against the Mavericks.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Clippers have beaten Memphis four consecutive times, including two victories in Los Angeles earlier this season.
2. Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay scored 25 points against Dallas after averaging only 13.0 points over the previous five games.
3. Paul has 12 steals the past two games after having one in a three-game span.