MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points, and Darius Garland added 21, including 11 in the fourth quarter, as the Los Angeles Clippers secured a hard-fought 123-120 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. The win pushes the Clippers closer to a postseason berth, despite a historically poor shooting night from beyond the arc.
The Clippers, who at one point this season found themselves 15 games below .500, now boast a 31-32 record and currently hold the ninth seed in the Western Conference. The team is navigating a competitive landscape as they strive for a playoff spot. This latest win represents a significant step forward for a team that has shown resilience throughout the season.
Bennedict Mathurin contributed a strong performance with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. Added 16 points for Los Angeles. However, the Clippers struggled mightily from three-point range, connecting on just 4 of 17 attempts – a season low. Their overall shooting performance was enough to overcome the deficit, however, thanks to strong performances from Leonard and Garland.
For the Grizzlies, Ty Jerome led the scoring with 23 points and seven assists. Taylor Hendricks chipped in with 18 points, and Cedric Coward added 15, but Memphis couldn’t overcome a series of injuries that have plagued the team throughout the season. The Grizzlies have now lost three consecutive games.
The game remained tight throughout, with the Grizzlies holding a narrow 118-117 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Leonard and Jordan Miller then each converted a pair of free throws, giving the Clippers a 121-118 advantage. Mathurin sealed the victory with two free throws with 4.4 seconds left, as Jerome’s last-second three-point attempt fell short.
The Clippers’ victory comes on the heels of a recent setback, a 116-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs where they relinquished a 25-point lead. That game highlighted the team’s vulnerability, but they responded effectively against Memphis.
The Grizzlies were without several key players due to injury, including Ja Morant, who has missed 20 games with an elbow injury. Six players were listed on the injury report prior to Saturday’s game, significantly impacting the team’s depth and rotation.
Darius Garland’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he continues to integrate into the Clippers’ lineup after making his debut earlier this week. Garland’s ability to facilitate and score is expected to be a crucial asset for the Clippers as they develop their playoff push. He’s quickly becoming a key component of the team’s offensive strategy.
Kawhi Leonard’s consistent scoring and leadership remain central to the Clippers’ success. His ability to take over games, as he did against the Grizzlies, provides a reliable offensive option for the team. Leonard’s experience and composure are invaluable assets in close contests.
Looking ahead, the Clippers will necessitate to continue to improve their three-point shooting to maximize their potential. Their reliance on inside scoring and free throws can be effective, but a more consistent outside threat would make them even more difficult to defend. The team’s next challenge will be a test of their ability to maintain momentum and build on this recent success.
What’s Next: The Clippers will face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, March 10th, at 10:30 PM ET (1:30 AM UTC) at Footprint Center in Phoenix. This game will be a key test for the Clippers as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.
Archysport will have full coverage of the Clippers-Suns matchup.
