The Memphis Grizzlies fell once again at home, as the L.A. Clippers beat the Memphis squad 77-90.
The Clippers (28-30) came out the gates early and never looked back on the power of All-Star forward Elton BrandÕs 12 point, 11 rebound first-quarter performance. The Clippers extended their lead to a 46-29 Grizzlies (15-40) half-time deficit, only two points over the Grizzlies season-low for a half.
The Grizzlies attempted to rally in the third behind center Lorenzen WrightÕs 11-point third-quarter effort, but a typically lackluster fourth quarter by the Grizzlies stopped whatever progress the Memphis squad had made. Wright would end the game with 17 points.
The most surprising Grizzlies performance came from guard Eddie Gill, who just joined the team on a ten-day contract. Despite playing his first game with the squad, the guard scored 20 points and tossed out seven assists. ÒGill played extremely well,Ó Grizzlies head coach Sidney Lowe said after the game. Ò HeÕs here one day, and he knows all the plays. He talks more than anyone has all year.Ó
Also for the Grizzlies, forward Pau Gasol led all Memphis scorers with 21 points, and also collected 13 rebounds. Guard Will Solomon rounded out the Grizzlies scoring with 11 of his own.
For the Clippers, Elton Brand led all scorers with 27 points and collected a game-high 23 rebounds. Also for L.A. Guard Jeff McInnis scored 19 points, and handed out a game high 12 assists. Forward Darius Miles also scored in double-digits with 12 points to finish the game.
The Grizzlies go on a three game road-trip to Dallas, Utah, and then to Denver, before returning to the Pyramid on Sunday, March 3, against the Seattle Sonics.
