Jamal Crawford, Clippers start in style; Hand Memphis Grizzlies a 101-92 defeat: NBA Recap
Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies had met in a furiously contested seven-game first round playoff series last season; and took on each other on Wednesday night again, in what was a season opener for both teams.
By the time the game ended, the Clippers won 101-92, but the hero of the night was a man who has been a traveller in NBA for quite some time, and was not a part of last post season’s gruelling contest.
Jamal Crawford, who was the 6th man of the year back in 2009-10 with the Atlanta Hawks and spent last season on a one year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, erupted with a game high 29 points in nearly 30 minutes, to fuel the Clips. The super-sub was 10 of 14 from the floor, including 3 of 7 from distance, and converted 6 of his 8 free throws as the Clippers sent the Grizzlies crashing to a 0-12 record in season opening games, the worst ever in NBA.
Crawford was a relieved man after the game and reflected on his journey to Los Angeles;
"It's like night and day from last year, honestly," Crawford said. "I haven't felt like this since I was with the Knicks, mentally. I feel like I've found a home. The last few years I've basically played on one-year contracts. And that's always tough. Some of the guys here called me and told me I was their number one option in free agency at the guard position. And when you feel wanted like that and see where the team is going and how you can fit it, it's very cool."
Crawford had a lot of support from his teammates, five of whom also finished with double scoring figures. Eric Bledsoe came off the bench with 13; Chris Paul had 12 points, 12 assists and 4 steals, Blake Griffin managed 11 while Caron Butler had 10.
DeAndre Jordan also had 12 points but accounted for nearly half of the 22 Clippers turnovers (9). Luckily for them, the Grizzlies also failed to take care of the ball, and conceded 29 points on 21 turnovers. They got 25 points from Rudy g*y; 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists from Marc Gasol and a 15 point-16 rebound double-double from Zach Randolph.
Grizzlies got the better of the Clips for the first three quarters and led by 77-73 entering the fourth. However a 10-nothing run capped by a triple from Crawford changed the momentum of the game. Grizzlies never managed to re-take the lead and an 11-4 run, keyed by Paul and Crawford, gave the Clips a 98-90 lead with only 1:33 remaining. Paul scored 7 of final 14 Los Angeles points and the Grizzlies never really looked like mustering a late comeback.
The Clippers will now take on the Lakers on Friday, while the Grizzlies face the Golden State Warriors.
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