The Memphis Grizzlies staged a remarkable comeback to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 112-107 after falling behind by 16 points earlier in the game. This victory marks the Grizzlies’ fourth win in their last five contests, a notable improvement for the team.
A turning point in the game came during the third quarter when the Grizzlies improved their defensive efforts significantly. Although Clippers star Kawhi Leonard finished the game with a commanding 39 points, Memphis managed to limit the rest of the Clippers’ offense effectively. The Grizzlies restricted Los Angeles to just 18 points and five field goals in that quarter, paving the way for a remarkable turnaround. Memphis, which previously struggled to stop Leonard and teammate James Harden, turned the tide to trim a 13-point halftime deficit to just three points entering the final quarter.
Jaren Jackson Jr. shone brightly for Memphis, scoring 24 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter while shooting an impressive five of six from the field during that stretch. His performance was crucial, especially with Ja Morant still sidelined due to injury. Jackson’s ability to drive to the basket and connect from beyond the arc kept the Clippers’ defense on its toes. Additionally, guard Cam Spencer contributed notably off the bench, scoring eight points in the final period and finishing with a total of 10 points—part of the Grizzlies’ dominant 47-15 advantage in bench scoring.
Despite the victory, the Grizzlies’ journey in the inaugural NBA Cup came to an end, as they finished group play with a 3-1 record but failed to qualify for the knockout stage due to point differentials. The team had hoped for a larger margin of victory in a required blowout win to advance. In a twist of fate, Memphis received two additional games against lower-ranked teams instead of facing top-seeded opponents moving forward.
Next, the Grizzlies will host the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on December 12, followed by another road game against the Clippers on December 15. This schedule adjustment gives Memphis a chance to build on their recent momentum, offering an opportunity to strengthen their standing among Western Conference teams. The team’s commitment to defensive improvement and collaboration on both ends of the court is a hopeful sign for fans looking ahead.