Clippers rally from 18 down to beat Grizzlies, 123-120

The game, quarter by quarter

The Grizzlies struck first, taking the opening quarter 41-23 and a 18-point lead after one. The Clippers cut into the deficit with a 35-18 second quarter, though the Grizzlies still led by 1 at halftime.

The teams matched each other with 31 points apiece in the third quarter, so the Grizzlies remained ahead by 1 entering the fourth. The Clippers took the fourth 34-30; the Clippers completed the comeback for a 123-120 regulation win.

What flipped it

The Clippers made 45.1 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 23 for the Grizzlies. The Clippers grabbed 41% of their own misses, while the Grizzlies recovered 28.2%. In a 3-point game, the points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.

The Grizzlies did win one battle, shooting: eFG% of 57.5% against 52.4%. The Clippers made up for it elsewhere.

At roughly 101 possessions per team, the Clippers produced 121.6 points per 100 possessions to 118.6 for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 56-23.

Who carried the comeback

Kawhi Leonard was the game's biggest individual force for LAC: 28 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast on 8-15 shooting. His Game Score of 25.2 led everyone. His team was +12 with him on the floor.

Taylor Hendricks led the Grizzlies with 18 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast on 7-8 shooting, good for a 20.2 Game Score.

Isaiah Jackson (12 pts, 12 reb, 0 ast) and Bennedict Mathurin (21 pts, 10 reb, 1 ast) each recorded a double-double.

What it means

The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 57% for the Clippers.

Across the last 6 meetings in our records, the series is even.

The Clippers are now 31-32, and the Grizzlies are 23-39. The Clippers last five before this game: L-W-W-W-L.