Clippers 126, Grizzlies 105

A poor first quarter cut short any chance the Grizzlies had of exploiting a struggling L.A. Clippers team on Friday.  The Clippers entered the game riding a seven-game losing streak, but they jumped on the Grizzlies early and came away with a 126-105 win at FedEx Forum.

Zach Randolph led all scorers with 35 points for the Clippers, who set a franchise record by connecting on 16 3-pointers.  That marked the second time this season the Grizzlies have allowed a record 3-point performance.  The New York Knicks set their own franchise record against the Grizzlies in a 132-103 win in December.  The Clippers shot 59 percent from the floor, including 55 percent from 3-point range.  It goes without saying that such a defensive breakdown is not going to win many ballgames.  The problem is that it is now February, and the Grizzlies still have not figured out how to cover shooters on defense.  It really is a simple concept:  Just stand in front of the guy with the ball and stick your arms in the air.  And yet, this team has played together for four months and still not learned a lesson they should have mastered years ago.

The loss ended a successful two-game spurt by the Grizzlies, who knocked off the Wizards and Rockets by double figures earlier in the week.  Rudy Gay led the team with 26 points, while Mike Conley added 18.  O.J. Mayo was held to 10 points.

Darko Milicic played in his second straight game after missing significant time with a broken knuckle.  His return should help the Grizzlies' post game, which has suffered noticeably in his absence.  Even with Milicic in the lineup, the Grizzlies were shorthanded down low as Darrell Arthur sat out for personal reasons.  It will be interesting to see what kind of support Milicic can offer, or even how much of an opportunity he may get under Lionel Hollins.  Coach Iavaroni seemed to have a quick hook when it came to Milicic early in the season, but he got hot and earned more playing time throughout the month of December before the injury.  He was putting up career numbers when he went down.  As thin as the Grizzlies are inside, I think Milicic will have to play a key role for the Grizzlies to have any success.  Even if he doesn't put up a double-double every night, he competes on the boards and brings great energy to the floor.