Should the Memphis Grizzlies Have Run out the Clock on Los Angeles Clippers?

I charted how the Grizzlies used clock in their instantly famous collapse against the Clippers. My suspicion is that a team up 24 with eight minutes left could have won by simply running the four-corners offense, taking 24 seconds off the clock each possession. Here's what I charted: 

• Conley steps out with 8:01, after burning 13 seconds.
• Grizzlies burn 18 seconds, ball off Zach Randolph's foot.
• Burn 22 seconds on a Randolph miss.
• Burn 19 seconds, Rudy Gay miss. 
• Burn 13, Conley draws foul. 
• Burn 18, Conley shot.
• Burn nine seconds, transition play, missed Speights layup.
• Burn 13 seconds, Evans steals the ball from Gay.
• Chris Paul fouls, two seconds into a transition play.
• Burn 20 seconds, Rudy Gay post-up.
• Rudy Gay turns it over to Reggie Evans after burning 18 seconds.
• O.J. Mayo shoots after burning 20 seconds.
• Conley misses a runner after burning 19 seconds. Nick Young hits three—three-point game.

So in an ideal world, the Grizzlies use about 95 extra seconds on these possessions (1:35). Would that have been enough to stave off the Nick Young onslaught?

Keep in mind, it's possible to burn more than 24 seconds on a possession—a shot takes time as it flies through the air.

Also keep in mind, I'm creating a utopian world where a four-corners Memphis offense simply refuses to turn the ball over. In this scenario, they either calmly toss the ball out of bounds at the end of the shot clock, or heave a massive rainbow as most of the team gets back on defense. 

In reality, Memphis was attempting to burn clock, but it also was trying to run some semblance of an offense. This led to turnovers, misses and Los Angeles transition plays.

While I can't fault Lionel Hollins for continuing to play basketball, I have to wonder if a game of offensive pickle would have worked better. It would be infuriating to try against a team that was taking a knee every trip down the floor. Eventually, Vinny Del Negro might have elected to foul Memphis, stopping the clock, but allowing two valuable free throws. 

But there is immense social pressure to keep playing, and there is an added benefit of affording bench players some reps.

Would a "pickle" offense have kept the Grizzlies' lead yesterday? I can't say for sure, but I do wonder if there is a proper situation for basketball teams to sit on the ball.