Clippers power forward Blake Griffin pulls down a rebound while surrounded by Memphis forward Dante Cunningham, guard Gilbert Arenas and center Marc Gasol on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / March 24, 2012)
By Melissa RohlinMarch 24, 2012, 2:52 p.m.
The Clippers needed an emphatic win.They entered Saturday's game on a three-game losing streak, their biggest skid of the season. There were reports that Coach Vinny Del Negro's job was on the line. And people in the blogosphere were beginning to question whether the Clippers would even make the playoffs this season.
In their first home game following a dismal three-game trip, the Clippers had to make a statement, which they did with a 101-85 win against Memphis.
The Clippers led by as many as 23 points and never trailed in the second half. And it was the first time in 10 games that they scored 100 points.
The majority of the team was involved in this win, but star forward Blake Griffin seemed especially invested.
Griffin led the Clippers with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Griffin was diving for loose balls, making emotional appeals to officials and relentlessly attacking the basket.
He played with such fire only two days after publicly defending Del Negro.
"We’re still behind him," Griffin said after Thursday's loss at New Orleans. "It’s not him. It’s on us. It’s on me. I have to find a way."
Chris Paul had 19 points and 13 assists. Randy Foye contributed 18 points, including four three-pointers, Nick Young added 16 points and Caron Butler finished with 12 points.
The Clippers entered Saturday's game in sixth place in the Western Conferece, only one game ahead of No. 9 Utah. They now occupy the No. 4 spot with a record of 27-21, while the Grizzlies (25-21) fall to sixth. The top eight teams in each conference make the playoffs.
The Clippers next game is against New Orleans on Monday night at Staples Center.
Clippers rebound at home to beat Memphis, 101-85