- James Harden scores season-high 30 points in critical Western Conference matchup
- Clippers overcome 6-point halftime deficit with 68-point second half explosion
- Los Angeles moves within 1 game of avoiding play-in tournament berth
The Los Angeles Clippers continued their late-season surge with a commanding 128-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Behind James Harden's offensive brilliance and Kawhi Leonard's all-around performance, the team erased a halftime deficit with one of their most dominant halves of basketball this season. This marks the Clippers' eighth win in their last nine games, positioning them as serious contenders in the tightly contested Western Conference playoff race.
After trailing 66-60 at halftime, the Clippers unleashed a 19-5 third-quarter run that shifted momentum permanently. Ivica Zubac dominated the paint with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Norman Powell provided crucial bench scoring during the decisive stretch. Los Angeles shot 58% from the field in the second half, showcasing their offensive firepower against a depleted Grizzlies roster missing star guard Ja Morant.
The victory came under interim coach Brian Shaw, who improved to 4-1 while filling in for sidelined head coach Tyronn Lue. Shaw's emphasis on ball movement and defensive rotations proved effective, as the Clippers held Memphis to just 42 second-half points. This coaching continuity has been vital during Los Angeles' playoff push, demonstrating the team's depth and adaptability.
Memphis struggled mightily without Morant, falling to 15-13 in games without their franchise player. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 23-point effort couldn't compensate for the Grizzlies' defensive breakdowns, particularly in containing Harden's pick-and-roll execution. Since Morant's hamstring injury four games ago, Memphis has seen their offensive rating drop by 7.2 points per 100 possessions.
Three unique insights define the Clippers' resurgence: First, their net rating of +9.3 during this win streak ranks third in the league. Second, Harden's playmaking has generated 28.7 potential assists per game during this stretch. Third, the team's defensive adjustments have reduced opponent fast-break points by 34% compared to early-season performances.
A regional analysis reveals growing momentum in the Los Angeles sports market. The Clippers have seen a 22% increase in local TV ratings during their win streak, coinciding with the Lakers' struggles to secure playoff positioning. This surge comes as the franchise prepares to move into the new Intuit Dome next season, potentially signaling a shift in LA's basketball hierarchy.
With Sunday's crucial matchup against Oklahoma City looming, the Clippers have an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning. Another victory would mark their longest win streak since November and could potentially move them into the conference's top six seeds. Meanwhile, Memphis faces an uphill battle to maintain play-in tournament hopes as they prepare for a challenging road game in Utah.