The Memphis Grizzlies (48-28) fell to the LA Clippers (41-36) on Wednesday at FedExForum. Memphis ended a seven-game winning streak and a 12-game winning streak at home.
Both teams played shorthanded, with Memphis missing seven players, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Steven Adams and Tyus Jones due to injury, while the Clippers were without starters Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Russell Westbrook posted his sixth double-double since joining the Clippers, leading the team with a season-high 36 points and 10 assists. Robert Covington followed with a season-high 27 points off the bench, including a season-high seven 3-pointers. Westbrook and Covington shot a combined 12-for-12 from 3-point range to help the Clippers make 22 3s on a season-high 59.5% shooting from beyond the arc.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 36 points and nine assists, while Dillon Brooks tallied his fourth 30-point performance of the season with 30 points and six rebounds. Santi Aldama dropped 17 points and eight rebounds, Xavier Tillman Sr. posted 16 points and nine rebounds, and Luke Kennard added 12 points in his first start with the Grizzlies. All five starters scored in double figures.
The Grizzlies scored 18 straight in the first quarter, but the Clippers responded with a 22-9 run to pull within 30-29 at the end of the first quarter. LA posted 41 points in the second quarter to take the lead at halftime, 70-64.
Memphis rallied with 41 points in the third quarter to tie the game, 105-105, but the Clippers mounted a 15-6 run to pull ahead in the final frame.
LA shot 61.5% from the field. The Clippers’ bench outscored the Grizzlies’ reserves 66-21. The Grizzlies will end a three-game home stand with their third and final matchup against the Clippers at 7 p.m. CT on Friday, March 31, at FedExForum. Fans can tune in on Bally Sports Southeast or 92.9 FM ESPN.