DETROIT, Michigan: The Los Angeles Clippers picked up where they left off in their budding rivalry with the Memphis Grizzlies, claiming a 101-92 home triumph in the season-opener for both teams yesterday.
Facing a Grizzlies side they edged out over seven games in the Western Conference first-round playoffs last season, the Clippers prevailed in a scrappy and sometimes ill-tempered contest courtesy of a strong fourth quarter.
“We knew it was going to be hard fought and chippy,” Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul told reporters. “When the schedule was released over the summer, I’m sure players on both teams were like, ‘I’m sure this isn’t a coincidence.’”
It was no coincidence that Paul livened up his quiet night by emerging with six straight points late in the game to turn a one-point Clippers lead into a 93-88 advantage.
Off-season acquisition Jamal Crawford then brought the victory home in the last three minutes with a laser-like three-pointer and a driving layup that put the Clippers 98-90 ahead.
Crawford wasted little time endearing himself with the home fans on his Clippers debut by recording a game-high 29 points, including 12 in the pivotal fourth.
Reuters
