LOS ANGELES -- While the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers continue to make noise around the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies quietly notched their sixth straight victory and defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-85, Wednesday night at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
It was the Grizzlies' 19th road victory in 30 games, putting them in pace to finish this season with a winning record away from home, a first in franchise history. The Grizzlies improved their overall record to 44-19, taking over the vanquished Clippers for the No.3 spot in the Western Conference playoffs race.
"We've been executing really well. We've been moving the ball very well, playing well together, and attacking," a very pleased Memphis head coach Lionel Hollins told NBA.com.
Five Grizzlies were on the forefront of the Grizzlies offense, each tallying double figures in points. Center Marc Gasol scored the most with 21 points. He also added four rebounds, five steals and a pair of assists. Tayshaun Prince chalked 18 and six rebounds while point guard Mike Conley added 17 and 11 assists. Zach Randolph and Quincy Poindexter added 13 and 11 points respectively.
It was only the eighth Clippers home loss at the Staples Center in 33 games, but it dropped them to 45-21, which is No.4 in the tough West.
"It's going to take more energy and more production from all of us. One of my old coaches used to always tell me and another player: 'You're pretty good as is, but I'm going to need you to be one percent better'," said Clippers ace Chris Paul, who accounted for 24 points, nine assists and three rebounds.
Blake Griffin also had 22 points and six rebounds for the Clips while Matt Barnes added 14. (Nichoali Rhiz Roska)
Photo: Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (L) tries to get past Clippers forward Blake Griffin in yesterday's action at Staples Center.
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