Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both picked up slight injuries in Game 5 of the Los Angeles Clippers' series against the Memphis Grizzlies, and they were obviously affected on Friday night. Both players were far from their best on their home floor, and due to their struggles, they'll have to play a Game 7 in Memphis. The Grizzlies won their second straight game in the series on Friday, taking Game 6 at the STAPLES Center, 90-88.
Zach Randolph had a big game down low with 18 points and 16 rebounds, though his performance will probably be more remembered for this interesting three-point shot attempt than the good things that he did. Marc Gasol also had a big game with 23 points and nine rebounds while Tony Allen was stellar defensively and finished plus-15 in net points.
Paul looked like a shell of the best version of himself with 11 points and seven assists before he fouled out. He took just nine shots on the night and did not have his usual explosiveness. Griffin finished with 17 points and five rebounds.
The Clippers held an eight-point lead with eight minutes left in the game, but their offense dried up while Memphis began to look sharper on the offensive end. The big turning point in the game came with 6:28 remaining, when Rudy Gay made a runner while being fouled by Nick Young and hit the ensuing free throw to put the Grizzlies up by two points.
While down four points with under a minute remaining, the Clippers were gifted a chance to get back into the game, but threw it away. Allen went to the line and missed both free throws, but Randy Foye stepped on the baseline while grabbing the rebound, giving the ball back to Memphis. Despite that mistake, the Clippers got back to within two points with three seconds remaining, but did not foul and allowed the clock to run out to give Memphis the victory.
For complete coverage of Friday's Game 6, keep checking this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Clippers, please visit Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For updates and perspective on the Memphis Grizzlies, head on over to Straight Outta Vancouver.