Looking to stay undefeated at home were the Los Angeles Clippers as they hosted the Memphis Grizzlies – considered a rival after seeing them for two consecutive seasons in the playoffs – on Monday night.
Instead, Chris Paul ate a swinging foot to the face from Tony Allen and the Clippers suffered their first loss at the Staples Center 106-102.
Paul looked to penetrate into the lane late in the first quarter when Allen, who initially appeared to want to take a charge, realized he was nowhere near in position. He then jumped and extended his left leg, nailing Paul in the process. Allen was given a flagrant-2 foul – an automatic ejection – for the play and had this to say after the game:
1st thing 1st apologies 2 @CP3 accidental kick…..
— Tony Allen (@aa000G9) November 19, 2013
Unstoppable in the paint was Zach Randolph, who had 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 15 rebounds despite hearing a chorus of boos every time he touched the ball. Marc Gasol was also highly effective with 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Paul had 18 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists.
Below are the reactions from Jamal Crawford and Mike Conley after the close contest:
Never too high, never too low..
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 19, 2013
Bigtime win tonight. ! Complete team effort ! #GrizzNation #roadfocus
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) November 19, 2013
James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. You can find him on twitter @SheridanBlog.