Clippers vs. Grizzlies: Game 7 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

With a wild Game 7 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-72 to advance to the second round of the 2012 NBA playoffs. It was just the Clippers' third playoff-series win in franchise victory.

In a defensive struggle, L.A. was just lucky enough to be the team left standing when all the dust settled at the FedExForum Sunday afternoon. Now, the Grizzlies coaches and players have to go home over arguably the best season in the franchise's history.

All of the wild action forced many fans to the edges of their seats. So, now is the time to sit back and look at the fantastic game we just witnessed.

Tweets of the Night

WWE legend Jim Ross helped hype the grudge match that was this Game 7:

"

Memphis Grizzlies are more mentally tough than banged up Clippers. @jerrylawler city will be in 'Death Match' mode. Loser leaves town. #NBA

"

"—Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 12, 2012"

Parody Twitter account Not Bill Walton always has something scathing to say before games kick off. Sunday was no different:

"

How ironic that the Clippers love flopping and the Grizzlies are now getting the benefit of those same horrendous foul calls.

— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) May 12, 2012"

ESPN Stats broke down the Grizzlies' chances with them scoring under 40 points in the first half:

"

Clippers lead Grizzlies 39-38 at half; Grizzlies are 0-5 all-time in playoff games when scoring fewer than 40 in 1st half.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 13, 2012"

Mercury News sports columnist Tim Kawakami reported about the slow pace of the game:

"

Clippers-Grizzlies might become first two teams to eliminate each other in a Game 7. This is horrifyingly bad.

— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) May 13, 2012"

Poor Man's Commish talked about how the bench was the difference in this game and so many key games in the NBA playoffs:

"

Great lessons learned today from Clippers-Grizzlies struggle: bench spark key in stalemates, sometimes it's better to attack and just board.

— Poor Man's Commish (@poormanscommish) May 13, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

Grizzlies center Marc Gasol showcased a perfect example of the hard-fought mentality each team had Sunday. With neither team giving an inch, this was the kind of play that really kept Memphis in the game:

Blake Griffin was playing hard all game, but he was being played even harder. Don't believe me? Just ask Zach Randolph and his forearm smash to Griffin's face:

With all of the focus on Griffin's play, there was no better play Sunday than the polarizing star's spinning shot as he was fading away. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but this has to be worth more than that:

Grades for Key Grizzlies Players

Rudy Gay

In what turned into one of the best defensive battles in the NBA since the 1990s, Rudy Gay was the offensive star for Memphis. With 19 points, nine rebounds and a box score stuffed with stats, it just wasn't enough to put his team over the edge.

Grade: B

Marc Gasol

Like a tree in the forest, Gasol was forced to take the low-post position by force at both ends of the court. While the perception of Pau is that of a soft player, younger brother Marc is one of the toughest players in the NBA.

The addition of 19 points was a pleasant surprise, but only five rebounds killed the team's chances.

Grade: C

Grades for Key Clippers Players

Chris Paul

The Los Angeles Clippers depend so heavily on Chris Paul every game that it's no wonder he was the biggest part of their Game 7 victory. With 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Paul brought his solid game to a Memphis team that made a concerted effort to keep the star double-teamed.

Grade: B+

Blake Griffin

In his one-on-one matchup with Randolph, Griffin was put through the toughest test of his career. After battling fouls and a mixture of Grizzlies big men, Griffin ended up adding eight points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks on a hobbled left knee.

Not great, but enough to help the team.

Grade: C

Game MVP: Kenyon Martin

 

After watching the starting lineup go stagnant, Kenyon Martin came off the bench to replace Griffin and stole the show. For a midseason addition, K-Mart came up huge at the right time.

Martin is not afraid to get physical, and it was evident by his extremely tough low-post game. With 11 points and nine rebounds, Martin proved his addition to the team was a great move.

Grade: A

What's Next?

The Los Angeles Clippers will play the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the NBA playoffs, and they are in for a tough series against the No. 1 overall seed in the Western Conference.

With Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan all playing lights out for the Spurs, playing against the tough Gregg Popovich-led team wouldn't be easy for any team in the NBA.

With amazing matchups at every position, it will be interesting to see how Paul, Griffin and the deep Clippers bench handle the tough Spurs this Tuesday in San Antonio and as the series progresses.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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