The Memphis-Los Angeles NBA first-round playoff series will go down to a decisive Game 7 after the Grizzlies beat the Clippers 90-88 on Friday.
Marc Gasol scored 23 points and Zach Randolph had 18 points and 16 rebounds for Memphis. Rudy Gay and Mike Conley added 13 points each to help the Grizzlies win for the first time in the Western Conference series at Staples Center.
Los Angeles’ Blake Griffin scored 17 points despite a sprained left knee that limited his jumping ability, while Eric Bledsoe added 14 off the bench for the Clippers, who blew an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter and a second chance to close out the series.
Photo: AFP
Chris Paul scored 11 points for Los Angeles playing with a strained right hip flexor and a jammed right middle finger.
The Clippers are now outsiders to win just the third playoff series in franchise history, as Game 7 will be Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Grizzlies are trying to become only the eighth team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series. Top-seeded San Antonio awaits the winner in the conference semi-finals.
Tied 66-66 starting the fourth, the Clippers scored 10 straight to take their first lead since the game’s opening minutes. Bledsoe scored six points.
However, the Grizzlies responded with a 17-4 run, including 10 straight points, to take an 85-80 lead. Gay scored five in a row as the Clippers missed and Randolph came up with a big block. Conley hit a three-pointer and Randolph tipped in the ball to close out the spurt.
Griffin made two free throws to narrow the gap before Randolph scored for an 87-82 Grizzlies lead. Conley fouled Paul, who missed the first free throw and made the second to leave Los Angeles trailing 87-83 with 56 seconds left.
The Clippers were forced to keep fouling, while the Grizzlies made three of eight to stay alive. Los Angeles’ Caron Butler missed a three-pointer with 14 seconds to go as home fans headed for the exits before Randy Foye hit a three with three seconds left.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely