Grizzlies at Clippers
THE STORY: Despite staging one of the more remarkable comebacks in postseason history to steal Game 1 and home-court advantage, the Los Angeles Clippers were lamenting a missed opportunity as they prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their first-round series Saturday afternoon. Los Angeles shot nearly 57 percent from the floor in Game 2 but came out on the short end of a 105-98 loss. "I felt like we could have got two (wins)," Clippers PG Chris Paul said.
TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Fox Sports West
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Memphis found the perfect strategy to counter the Lob City tactics of the Clippers: Attack the offensive glass. The Grizzlies managed to negate Los Angeles' sizzling shooting in Game 2 by establishing a punishing inside presence, owning a 16-4 edge in offensive rebounds and outscoring the Clippers 18-6 on second-chance points. Memphis also showed why it led the league in steals and forced turnovers in the regular season, harassing Los Angeles into 21 turnovers and recording 13 thefts. Rudy Gay scored 21 points to lead a balanced attack featuring six players in double figures.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Paul was noticeably more aggressive on the offensive end from the outset in Game 2 and finished with 29 points, six assists and five steals. However, he was also responsible for five of the turnovers, matching his high from the regular season. One concern for the Clippers entering Game 3 is the health of their perimeter players. Reserve guards Mo Williams (bruised right forearm) and Eric Bledsoe (bruised left elbow) each left the floor with injuries in the fourth quarter, and Game 1 hero Nick Young (sprained right thumb) also was hurt. All three are expected to play Saturday.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Memphis is the first team in 15 years (Seattle, 1995-97) to lead the league in steals and forced turnovers in back-to-back seasons.
2. The Clippers committed the second-fewest turnovers this season, setting a franchise mark with 12.33 per game.
3. Grizzles reserve guard O.J. Mayo scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday. Memphis is 7-1 when he scores in double figures in the fourth.