Memphis, TN

Veteran Zach Randolph and Mike Conley recorded 23 points each as the Memphis Grizzlies finished off the Los Angeles Clippers, 118-105, in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series at FedEx Forum.

Randolph hit 8-for-12 from the field while Conley made 12 of 17 free throws for the Grizzlies, who advanced to the conference semifinal for the second time in last three years.

Tony Allen had 19 points, Jerryd Bayless scored 18, Tayshaun Prince chipped in 11 while Marc Gasol and Quincy Pondexter added 10 apiece as the Grizzlies became the 10th team in NBA history to win four consecutive after trailing two games in the best-of-seven series.

Matt Barnes tallied a career playoff-best 30 points, Chris Paul scored 28 points before he was ejected in the fourth while Caron Butler added 14 for the Clippers, whose season ended in disappointing fashion after starting the series in dominating fashion.

Slowed down by sprained ankle, Blake Griffin came off the bench and scored nine points but was hardly a factor in the game. Lamar Odom started in his place but tallied just seven points and two boards in 23 minutes.

It was a close fight for both teams before the Grizzlies scored seven straight points to take a 58-51 lead with 27 seconds left in the first half.

In the third, Conley scored five straight points to put Memphis ahead by 74-59 with 7:11 left in the period.

However, the Clippers reduced the deficit to six but the Grizzlies unleashed a 7-0 spurt in the last 38 seconds of the third to grab a 90-79 lead heading into the final quarter.

Back-to-back baskets in Butler in the fourth trimmed the gap to six but a 12-2 run put Memphis ahead by 115-99 with 1:57 to play.

 

Zach Randolph Stars as Grizzlies Finish Off Clippers in Six

 

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