It was just another typical game for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were playing host to the Memphis Grizzlies. Just like the previous three meetings against Memphis, the Lakers hung in close but were unable to finish the game late in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, rookie Jordan Clarkson had a magnificent night as he continues his growth. The 22-year-old jump started the Lakers, scoring the first eight points for the team and finishing the first quarter with 10 points. Clarkson ended the half with 17 points to lead the way and finished the game with a new career-high 25 points to go with six assists and four rebounds on 12 of 18 shooting.

The Lakers were down by 10 late in the first quarter, but they battled back to take a three-point lead at intermission. The starting unit, aside from Clarkson, was struggling badly. In fact, Clarkson was the only starter to score until the 4:41 mark of the second period after Wayne Ellington scored his first two points of the game.

Third quarters have been a problem for the Lakers throughout the season, but it was a different story in this game. The Lakers actually came out and extended their lead to eight at one point. They ended the quarter up by four and outscored the Grizzlies, 25-24. This was the first time the Lakers outscored an opponent in the third period since January 23rd when they played the San Antonio Spurs.

In the fourth, the Lakers grabbed a 10-point lead, their biggest of the game. However, another theme for the Lakers has been the inability to close out games. Tonight was no different, as the Lakers lost their lead once the Grizzlies tightened the screws on defense. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol started to take over offensively, and that’s all she ever wrote.

The Grizzlies came from behind to win by seven, 97-90, sweeping the season series 4-0 and extending their winning streak against the Lakers to six games. Memphis improved their record to 44-17, which is still second in the West. The Lakers are quite the reverse, as they slipped to 16-45 on the season, which is second to last in the West.

Aside from Clarkson, the Lakers got a huge boost from their bench, as usual. Wesley Johnson led the way with 14 points and five rebounds, while Jordan Hill put in 13 points and eight rebounds. Ed Davis was also solid, adding 10 points, five boards, and two swats. Jeremy Lin had a quiet game, scoring just four points, but he surprisingly had three blocked shots to go with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Wayne Ellington was the only other starter to contribute well. He chipped in 14 points and four assists, while Carlos Boozer only pitched in seven points and nine rebounds. Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre were held scoreless.

Zach Randolph posted yet another double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. His frontcourt partner, Marc Gasol, pushed in 18 points and six rebounds. Tony Allen, who typically has great offensive games against L.A., was brilliant again, scoring 15 points and nabbing five boards on 7 of 8 shooting.

Jeff Green and Mike Conley were the only other two in double-figures for Memphis with 16 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lakers defense was terrific in this game, as they held the Grizzlies to 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 9.1 percent from beyond the arc. Additionally, Los Angeles had nine team blocks and six steals.  However, the free-throw shooting discrepancy was enormous. Memphis went to the line 33 times and converted 28. Meanwhile, the Lakers only shot nine free throws and made seven, which gave the Grizzlies a plus-21 edge in free-throw shooting.

The Grizzlies will now hit the road for four consecutive games, starting tomorrow, March 7th, against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers fly back home to clash against another Western Conference powerhouse in the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, March 8th. 

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About the author
Vahan Shakhpazyan
Vahan Shakhpazyan loves the NBA with a passion and has been an avid follower for 18 years. He is a UCR graduate with a BA degree in Creative Writing. The man behind the Facebook page NBA updates.