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Griffin helps Clippers edge Grizzlies

Apr 6, 2011 - 5:26 AM Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Blake Griffin finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Clippers used a strong fourth quarter to edge the Grizzlies, 82-81, at FedEx Forum.

Mo Williams contributed 16 points and Chris Kaman posted 14 points and seven rebounds for Los Angeles, which has won consecutive games and snapped a three- game skid to the Grizzlies.

Mike Conley finished with a game-high 20 points while both Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol scored 14 points as the Grizzlies had a four-game winning streak snapped.

Despite the loss, the Grizzlies maintained their three-game lead over the Houston Rockets for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, thanks to Houston's loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Memphis led, 43-39, at the half and had a 13-point third quarter advantage erased as the Clippers used a 19-5 run stretching into the fourth quarter to take the lead.

Memphis held a 63-50 advantage after a Gasol jumper with 4:01 remaining in the third, but Griffin made 1-of-2 from the line on the Clippers' next possession to begin the run.

A Conley layup and Gasol free throw gave Memphis a 68-59 lead entering the fourth, but the Clippers scored the first 10 points of the fourth to take the lead.

A Randy Foye runner gave LA a 69-68 lead with 7:57 remaining, however, a Greivis Vasquez three-pointer gave the Grizzlies lead back. After trading the lead for the next few possessions, Williams' three-pointer with 1:49 remaining tied the game at 79-all.

Williams then drove into the lane for a layup and converted on the three-point play.

Conley's layup with 29.5 ticks remaining accounted for the final margin, but a double personal foul with 5.7 seconds remaining kept the final seconds interesting.

Eric Bledsoe and Tony Allen were called for double personals on a contact play wit, and after a jump ball at center court, the Clippers got the tip to all but securing the victory.

"It was a nice team effort," Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro said. "I'm just glad the guys stayed together and fought through it and made enough plays in the end."

Game Notes

Memphis fell to 28-11 at home...The Clippers began a four-game road trip that will feature visits to Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston before finishing the season against the Grizzlies at Staples Center...Eric Gordon scored 11 with six rebounds for the victors...Sam Young scored 13 for Memphis...Memphis held a 23-18 lead after the opening 12 minutes.