LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Blake Griffin scored a game-high 30 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers push the Memphis Grizzlies to the brink of elimination with a 101-97 overtime victory in their Western Conference quarter-final on Monday.
While forward Griffin also contributed seven assists, All-Star point guard Chris Paul weighed in with 27 points and nine rebounds as the Clippers took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Griffin stole a layup with a crucial offensive rebound to put the Clippers ahead 95-89 before fouling out and the ever-reliable Paul poured in four jump shots in overtime to ensure that the home team stayed narrowly in front.
“It was a fight today,” Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro told reporters.
“They gave us problems with their offensive rebound again but we were able to do a little bit of a better job at the free throw line and make some plays down the stretch.
“Chris took over the game when he needed to and Blake was big. I’m happy we found a way to execute when we needed to defensively, getting some stops. It’s about putting yourself in that situation and responding.”
