INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- James Harden scored 30 points, Kawhi Leonard added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers used a big second half to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-108 on Friday night for their fifth straight win.
Ivica Zubac had 17 points and 10 rebounds while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 16 points for Los Angeles. The team displayed impressive offense, scoring 68 points in the second half to turn around a six-point halftime deficit into a significant 20-point victory.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout for the Grizzlies, scoring 23 points, but it was not enough to prevent their third consecutive loss. Santi Aldama added 16 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. and Luke Kennard each chipped in with 15 points.
The Clippers were without their head coach Tyronn Lue, who missed the game due to back pain, marking the fifth time in seven games he has been absent. However, under the guidance of assistant coach Brian Shaw, the Clippers improved to a solid 4-1, showing their depth and resolve.
One of the key issues for Memphis was the absence of star player Ja Morant, who has now missed four straight games due to a left hamstring injury. The Grizzlies have struggled without him, posting a 15-13 record this season when Morant is sidelined compared to a strong 28-15 when he plays.
In this match, the Clippers turned a 66-60 halftime deficit into a dominating lead by opening the second half with a 19-5 run, a stretch where Leonard, Zubac, Bogdanovic, and Norman Powell each made multiple baskets. The Clippers showcased a balanced offensive attack that Memphis struggled to defend.
Statistically, the Clippers have improved to 3-0 against the Grizzlies this season, and they have now won their last six encounters. With this victory, Los Angeles has won eight of their last nine games, positioning themselves just one game back of second-seed Golden State in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies will look to bounce back when they visit Utah on Tuesday, March 25th, while the Clippers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, March 23rd.
