There's really no other way to put it: the Memphis Grizzlies punched the Los Angeles Clippers right in the mouth in the first half of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series opener. Not literally, of course, because they're playing basketball -- not boxing -- but you catch my drift.
VIDEO: Dante Cunningham’s Putback Dunk Sums Up Grizzlies’ Dominance Of Clippers
If you had to pinpoint one play that was a microcosm of the first half, it's this putback dunk by Dante Cunningham.
The Clippers, specifically Blake Griffin, all stood there waiting for the ball to drop in their hands instead of actually getting it. Before he knew it, Griffin was under the hoop and Cunningham was essentially giving him a piggy-back ride. The one-handed slam was emphatic and it fueled a late run that took an 11-point lead back up to 19 by halftime.
Also noteworthy: Tony Allen being the best peacemaker ever, preventing his Grizzlies teammates from celebrating too much on the bench.
Tony Allen knows there’s still a half to play. That’s a guy who is thinking ahead.
For news and analysis on these two teams, check out Clippers blog Clips Nation, SB Nation Los Angeles and Grizzlies blog Straight Outta Vancouver.
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