The head-coaching transition in Memphis hasn't been a smooth one, as the grit-n-grind Grizzlies were faced with somewhat of an identity change. But they've since survived a rough start to the season, and are now 6-5 after a 106-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
Grizzlies vs. Clippers final score: Grizz grind Clips into their first home loss of the season
Marc Gasol nearly records a triple-double as Memphis holds on in Los Angeles.
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As for the Clippers, it appears the Grizzlies are still their kryptonite. Los Angeles has one of the elite offenses in the NBA, but Memphis brought its trademark halfcourt offense to the fray and frustrated the Clippers all night, which has become the norm in this matchup.
Marc Gasol went for 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, Zach Randolph pitched in 26 and 15 boards — including some big free throws and an inexplicably open layup in the final minute — and the Grizzlies held the high-flying Clips to less than 40 percent shooting.
Chris Paul had 18 points and 11 assists for Los Angeles and drew a rather interesting foul early in the game. Tony Allen was ejected for kicking the Clippers' point guard in the face after jumping in the air at a ball fake, though it did appear accidental.
But Memphis survived without its rough and tumble shooting guard the rest of the way to grab its sixth win of the season. And that defense is back. The Clippers hit just seven of their 23 three-point attempts, and despite committing just 11 turnovers had a tough time getting the looks they normally do.
On the other side of the ball, a not-so-explosive Grizzlies offense shot 48 percent from the floor and hit five of their 12 threes. But it was the nine turnovers that kept the offense steady throughout the night.
It was Los Angeles' first loss at home this season, and it moves the team's record to 7-4 on the year. Blake Griffin had 23 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, and DeAndre Jordan grabbed 16 boards.
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