Clippers Fade in Second Half, Suffer Sixth Straight Home Loss

The Los Angeles Clippers allowed a promising start to slip away, falling to the Memphis Grizzlies 112-107 on November 24, 2023. This defeat marks the Clippers’ sixth consecutive loss on their home floor at the Intuit Dome, further complicating their quest for playoff positioning and eliminating them from contention in the NBA Cup.

In a game that showcased moments of aggressive defense, the Clippers initially appeared to be on track for a much-needed victory. They disrupted numerous layups and tip-ins, while their top stars delivered double-digit scoring. The team held the Grizzlies to just five fast-break points and entered halftime with a strong 63-50 lead.

However, the second half proved to be a different story. The Grizzlies, who struggled early on, began to find their rhythm, taking their first lead of the game at 87-85 less than two minutes into the fourth quarter. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed concerns about his team’s mental fatigue and inability to maintain intensity, which ultimately contributed to their downfall.

Despite a spirited effort from Kawhi Leonard, who scored a game-high 39 points, the Clippers could not sustain their momentum. Leonard’s scoring surge briefly gave them a 91-89 lead, but the Grizzlies responded decisively. They launched a 10-0 run, establishing a commanding 103-95 lead that the Clippers could not overcome.

The performance from the Clippers highlighted both their potential and their vulnerabilities. They were able to capitalize on Memphis’ early struggles, with James Harden contributing 23 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists. Yet, as the game progressed, the Clippers failed to execute their game plan, allowing the Grizzlies to exploit defensive lapses.

Memphis saw a balanced offensive effort, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the team with 24 points. Six Grizzlies players finished in double figures, showcasing their depth and ability to rally when needed.

Before the game, the Clippers honored former star point guard Chris Paul, who received a video tribute in his first home appearance since announcing his retirement at the season’s end. Paul, who played 15 minutes, finished with five points and two rebounds.

As the Clippers look to regroup, they face crucial challenges ahead. With a record of 5-14 and having lost 12 of their last 14 games, the team must harness the positive elements from their strong start while addressing the lapses that led to this latest defeat. Lue emphasized the need for sharper focus and a commitment to details, urging his players to elevate their performance in future matchups.

The Clippers have a tough road ahead, but with key players like Leonard and Harden stepping up, there is still hope for turning their season around.