Strong finish helps Clippers end Grizzlies' home win streak

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd December, 23:07 2024

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies

Dec 23, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) defend during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Norman Powell scored 29 points, including four in the final minute, and Ivica Zubac had 20 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-110 victory at Memphis on Monday, snapping the Grizzlies' eight-game home winning streak.

Powell's 15-footer with 25.4 seconds left broke a 110-all tie. He added two game-clinching free throws with 5.7 seconds to go.

Zubac's 20-20 game was the second of his career. James Harden added 21 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Los Angeles, which won for the third time in four games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points. Ja Morant added 23 and Desmond Bane finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Rookie big man Zach Edey grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds as Memphis fell for just the second time in eight games overall.

The Grizzlies put together a 10-0 run midway through the fourth quarter to take a 103-101 lead before Harden stepped up. Harden scored seven straight -- including his only 3-pointer on six attempts in the game -- during a personal run for a 108-103 advantage. The Clippers never trailed again.

Los Angeles held the Grizzlies to 38 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers, which the Clippers turned into 31 points.

The Grizzlies dropped to 13-4 at home this season.

Memphis went up 63-53 early in the third quarter on a spinning, 360-degree layup by Morant against Zubac. However, the Clippers followed with a 17-3 run that included two put-backs from Zubac for a 70-66 lead. The Clippers led by as many as seven points (88-81) late in the quarter after two free throws by Kevin Porter Jr.

Los Angeles took advantage of Grizzlies miscues to lead 91-90 entering the final period.

Jackson had 16 first-half points, most coming on strong drives in the paint, to help the Grizzlies to a 58-51 advantage. Bane had 12 points and four assists before halftime.

Powell scored 12 points to top the Clippers before the break. Harden had 11 points and Zubac 10.

--Field Level Media