Clips Trap Grizzlies: Memphis Implodes in a Home Game 7

The Grizzlies were in a home Game 7, a situation from which 80 percent of teams emerge victorious. Today, that percentage is a bit lower because Memphis fell apart in the fourth quarter against the Clippers reserves. It was less a Chris Paul masterpiece than death by the hand of Nick Young, Kenyon Martin and Reggie Evans.

Many will claim that this series was lost when the Clippers came back from 27 points down in Game 1. I disagree vehemently with that sentiment. My oddly radical interpretation is that the higher-leverage Game 7—a situation in which, again, Memphis was overwhelmingly favored—was the casting dye. L.A.'s reserves showed out sloppily, frenetically but ultimately successfully—as illustrated by this flailing Eric Bledsoe lay-in. 

The scrutiny will be on Memphis coach Lionel Hollins, who made more than a few curious decisions on Sunday. Gilbert Arenas played for a stretch in which he proved to be both dead and haunting his own team. Zach Randolph sat in favor of Marreese Speights during a crucial fourth-quarter juncture. Credit to the Clippers, but this seemed more an embarrassing home loss than impressive road win. 

San Antonio lies in waiting and will be served a hobbled Los Angeles team. Blake Griffin was benched at the end of the game on account of knee pain. Paul still appears a bit limited by his groin strain. Put it this way: The Clippers just might be spared another long series in the second round.