May 2, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay (22) and Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Nick Young (11) battle for a loose ball during the second half of game two in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. Memphis won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE
The Clippers and Grizzlies are tied and headed to Los Angeles in what looks like the most evenly matched series in the playoffs.
Despite a virtuoso scoring performance from Chris Paul, the Clippers didn't have two magical fourth quarter runs in them, as they lost Game 2. But in the big picture, they went into Memphis -- a tough road environment, you try scoring while Excited Grizzlies Kid is screaming at you -- and split the first two games, giving the Clippers home court advantage for the series.
Although he scored 29 points, the Grizzlies were able to hound Chris Paul into nearly as many turnovers as assists and got to the line 39 times. A key for the series is turning out to be Reggie Evans, of all people. The Grizz have a pair of very talented bigs in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and Evans' obnoxious defense and important rebounding has been the thing that's kept LA close in both games.
In a postseason that's seen more blowouts than tight ones, this series has two evenly matched teams that are easy to root for, and the pick-and-rolling and offensive talent of the Clippers facing off against the defensive grit of the Grizzlies makes for an interesting fight. Here's how to catch tonight's Game 3:
No. 4 Memphis Grizzlies at No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers
4:30 p.m. ET -- Game 3, Western Conference Quarterfinals | Series tied, 1-1
National TV: ESPN | Local TV: FSW
For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
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