Clippers vs. Grizzlies Game 7: Bench Rescues Clippers in Elimination Game

The Los Angeles Clippers won just their third playoff series in 41 years on Sunday, and they have their bench to thank for it. The Memphis Grizzlies battled hard on their home floor, but in the fourth quarter, the Clippers were able to secure an 82-72 win in Game 7 thanks to their reserves.

Kenyon Martin had seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, while Nick Young (13), Mo Williams (nine) and Eric Bledsoe (eight) all chipped in to combine for 41 bench points. Martin also led the Clippers with 10 rebounds, while Reggie Evans added nine.

Chris Paul toughed out a 19-point, nine-rebound performance while playing through a strained right hip flexor, but Blake Griffin struggled, scoring just eight points while grabbing only four rebounds.

Despite the struggles of their top two players, the Clippers were able to win and advance to the second round to face the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. And Paul and Griffin should be thanking the team's bench for preventing an epic collapse from a 3-1 lead. 

Memphis entered the fourth quarter with a 56-55 lead, but Los Angeles quickly took over with an 11-2 run that was started by a jumper from Martin. All in all, the bench accounted for all but two of the Clippers' 27 fourth-quarter points. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies got just 11 points from their bench in the losing effort.

Against the Spurs, the Clippers will need to get contributions from their bench. Guys like Martin, Young and Williams will all have to step up if Los Angeles hopes to win another series. When the two teams open their series in San Antonio on Tuesday, the Spurs will be well-rested and ready to go. 

Still, the Clippers should be excited to be in the second round of the playoffs, and they can thank their bench for getting them there.