The Memphis Grizzlies dropped a close one Saturday night at FedExForum, falling to the Los Angeles Clippers 123–120 in a game that featured multiple momentum swings. Memphis came out firing with 10 made threes in the first quarter. Memphis erupted for 41 points in the first quarter and building a lead as large as 19 points early in the game.
The Clippers answered with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Memphis 35–18 to erase the deficit and set up a tightly contested second half. Los Angeles was led by Kawhi Leonard, who scored 28 points, while Darius Garland added 21 and Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in 16.
Memphis had strong offensive balance despite the loss. Ty Jerome paced the Grizzlies with 23 points and seven assists, Taylor Hendricks added 18 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting, and Cedric Coward contributed 15 points.
The game featured 18 lead changes and 14 ties, but the Clippers’ edge in the paint (66 points) and second-chance scoring helped seal the three-point win.
Next up: Memphis travels to Brooklyn to take on the Nets Monday night at 6:30 p.m. (CST) on 92.9 FM ESPN