NBA Playoffs 2012: Clippers' Inexperience Is All but Gone After Game 1 Win

If the Los Angeles Clippers had lost Game 1 last night to the Memphis Grizzlies by a large margin, you would've heard almost every excuse in the book from fans and analysts.

Excuses would've ranged from Caron Butler breaking his hand to Chris Paul being the only player on the roster who truly has any playoff experience.

If the Clippers had lost last night, we would've never heard the end of it—from anyone.

But here's the thing—they didn't lose. Instead, they posted one of the most amazing comebacks in NBA playoff history. A comeback that last year's Dallas Mavericks would've been proud of.

What other team can say they recovered from a 24-point deficit with just under eight minutes to go? You won't find many teams who can lay claim to that accomplishment; especially a team as inexperienced as the Clippers.

Not only that, but look at the team they defeated—the Grizzlies. A team that knocked the No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs in the first round last year, proving they were a strong force to be reckoned with.

This year's Grizzlies team is at full health with Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph playing great basketball. For three quarters last night, we got a glimpse of what might have happened if everyone had been healthy for Memphis last year.

But in came those pesky Clippers, stealing home-court advantage in the most emphatic way by ripping the life out of every Memphis fan in FedEx Forum late Sunday evening.

So here comes the big question: What happens in Game 2?

Clearly, all momentum resides in "Lob City" and until evidence shows that the Grizzlies can rebound and win on Wednesday, the Clippers have Memphis' number in the biggest way.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Clippers, who have two days off to recover and compose themselves, go into Game 2 and steal any hope that Memphis has to come back and make it a series. Staples Center will never a see a bigger sea of red once Game 3 tips off. The long-time, and even the bandwagon, Clipper fans have been waiting six years for a chance to see their team in playoff form.

There's no reason why Blake Griffin can't rebound after a mediocre performance (by his standards) and put up double-double numbers like he usually does. His impact will to be crucial, especially if the Clippers want to get off to a better start on Wednesday.

But now comes the other pressing question: Who steps up for Butler?

With the man known as "Tuff Juice" expected to be out four to six weeks with a broken hand, it's going to be on the newly-acquired Nick Young to make a bigger impact, like he did last night, for the rest of this series. And if you can make two 3-pointers in the final minute to cut the game to one possession—you're officially on Memphis' scouting report.

L.A.'s streak of bad luck with injuries is still occurring at an alarming and depressing rate, but for the first time in eons the Clippers have the depth to pick up the missing play from their injured stars. Randy Foye has already done an outstanding job filling the void left by Chauncey Billups.

Now Young must do the same for Butler.

Though it'll be difficult to win again in Memphis, it's tough to deny that the Clippers hold every bit of the advantage in this series.

The Grizzlies undoubtedly ponder what in the world actually happened last night.

They better figure it out soon. These inexperienced Clippers are growing up fast.

Did the Clippers officially cease all momentum in this series? Or can the Grizzlies come back and make a resounding statement on Wednesday? Leave your thoughts in the comments.