Clippers defeat Grizzlies to extend winning streak to four games

LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 looks to pass the ball over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin #1 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 drives the lane against Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison #5 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 drives into LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 looks on as LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 dunks past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 tries to block a shot by Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis III #8 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 ducks under Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden #7 to take a shot in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 takes a shot from 3-point range in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Sam Dekker #7 ducks under Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green #0 for a shot in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 have a moment after Griffin was fouled in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Sam Dekker #7 blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green #0 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard Jawun Evans #1 lost the ball to Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green #0 in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 is welcomed onto the court before the game. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 gets past Memphis Grizzlies center Deyonta Davis #21 for a dunk in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 gets past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 for a dunk in the first half. The Los Angeles Clippers played the Memphis Grizzlies in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans #12 flies out of bounds in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 is surrounded by Clippers in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 passes the ball against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin #1 dunks the ball the ball over LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 drives past Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers #6 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers guard C.J. Williams #9 is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers #6 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden #7 is fouled by LA Clippers guard Milos Teodosic #4 while LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 blocks the shot. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 reacts to a foul in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Clippers guard Lou Williams slips past Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin on his way to the basket during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game at Staples Center. Williams scored 33 points in a 113-105 victory. (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan #6 and LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin #32 congratulate eachother after the win. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green #0 has a shot blocked by LA Clippers center Willie Reed #35 in the 4th quarter. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 113 to 105 in a game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 1/02/2018 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandan Wright, right, reaches for a rebound against Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, left, and Milos Teodosic during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, right, shoots over Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ C.J. Williams, front, is defended by Memphis Grizzlies’ Wayne Selden during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol, left, is defended by Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green, rear, knocks the ball out of the hands of Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan dunks as Memphis Grizzlies’ Deyonta Davis watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin makes his way up the court after making a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans, center, is defended by Los Angeles Clippers’ Wesley Johnson, left, and Blake Griffin during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Sam Dekker shoots past Memphis Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Deyonta Davis, right, passes the ball as Los Angeles Clippers’ Milos Teodosic defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans, right, goes up for a basket past Los Angeles Clippers’ Wesley Johnson, left, and Blake Griffin during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans, center, drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers’ C.J. Williams, right, and DeAndre Jordan during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Andrew Harrison, left, is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers’ Jawun Evans during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Willie Reed hangs from the rim after dunking against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, center, passes the ball under pressure by Memphis Grizzlies’ Jarell Martin, right, and Marc Gasol during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Sam Dekker, left, is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies’ Deyonta Davis during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Willie Reed, center, goes after a loose ball against Memphis Grizzlies’ Jarell Martin, left, and Deyonta Davis during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol, right, passes the ball as Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, left, and Blake Griffin defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Los Angeles Clippers’ Lou Williams, right, goes up for a basket past Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandan Wright during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers 113-105. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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LOS ANGELES — The Clippers took care of business Tuesday.

Nothing more, nothing less.

The Clippers seized a 113-105 victory from the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center to extend their winning streak to four consecutive. They also won for the sixth time in seven games, scratching and clawing and displaying the resilience that’s come to define them this season.

If it’s crisp and clean you want from your basketball team, look elsewhere.

The Clippers can play the beautiful game on occasion, but they’re comfortable grinding out victories, finding ways to overcome the odds and the opposition. They took the Grizzlies’ best shot Tuesday and kept counter-punching until they secured their first win in three tries against Memphis.

“They’re a tough team and they’ve always been a grind team,” Clippers center DeAndre Jordan said of the Grizzlies. “They’re going to play hard. It’s going to be an inside-out game. They’re a really good paint team and a good rebound team. We had to match their physicality.

“We didn’t want to come out and let them hit us. The game was up and down.”

Back and forth they went, showing precisely why the NBA is known as a game of runs. The Clippers seemed poised to break open the game one minute, and the next they were suddenly trying to maintain contact after the Grizzlies surged into the lead.

Sustained momentum was in short supply. One run followed another.

The Clippers trailed 84-77 with 2:42 left in the third quarter, but went on a 15-0 run that propelled them to a 92-84 lead after Jawun Evans’ layup with 10:01 left. Memphis didn’t end its scoreless skid until JaMychal Green made two free throws with 9:27 to go.

Was it finally safe?

Yes, barely.

Lou Williams scored 33 points on 8-for-15 shooting in a reserve role, going 15 for 15 at the free-throw line. Blake Griffin added 21 points, six rebounds and eight assists. C.J. Williams scored a career-high 18 points (12 in the first half).

Tyreke Evans led the Grizzlies with 18 points.

Williams led the Clippers with 11 points in the fourth quarter, and extended their lead to 101-90 by completing a three-point play with 6:37 remaining. The Grizzlies rallied, but got no closer than three points the rest of the way. Williams was 9 for 9 at the line in the final period.

Williams topped 30 points for the ninth time this season, and for the eighth as a backup.

“Lou’s a monster, man,” Jordan said. “I’m glad he’s on our side.”

Clippers coach Doc Rivers didn’t wait for reporters to inquire about Austin Rivers’ availability, opening his pregame session by saying, “No, he’s not. Thank you. Next question. Austin’s out again. We thought he was (close), so the fact that he’s not playing says probably not, so we’ll see.”

Austin Rivers said out for the second game after suffering what the Clippers are now calling a sore right Achilles tendon. Doc Rivers couldn’t say anyone in the team’s medical department knew precisely what was going on with the back portion of his son’s lower leg.

“I know he was working out the last couple of days and had some discomfort, so they’re going to re-evaluate his foot again,” Doc Rivers said. “I think they’re going to send him to another guy (doctor) and see what’s going on.”

Evans, a rookie guard, made his first NBA start in the Clippers’ victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, replacing Rivers. Tuesday, C.J. Williams moved from small forward to shooting guard, replacing Evans, and Wesley Johnson replaced Williams.

Unfazed by the lineup shuffle, C.J. Williams scored seven of the Clippers’ first eight points and had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting in the first half. Johnson was scoreless in nine minutes in the first half as Rivers mixed and matched players.

The Clippers led 67-62 by halftime, shooting a sizzling 61.9 percent (26 for 42). The Grizzlies were within striking distance because they shot 60.5 percent (23 for 38). Memphis made 7 of 10 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and played far better than its 12-25 record might have suggested.

C.J. Williams’ fastbreak layup to open the third quarter gave him a career-high 14 points.

“I think C.J. had a great game tonight,” Lou Williams said. “Hopefully, he just builds on it. He’s an older guy. He’s not a young punk, so to speak. Even though he’s a rookie, he’s an older guy. He’s been around the block. He’s been able to work himself into a position that he’s in now.

“And he’s taken advantage of it.”

Clippers defeat Grizzlies to extend winning streak to four games

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