INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Memphis Grizzlies closed out NBA Cup group play on a high note Friday night, rallying from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 112–107 at Intuit Dome — though the win wasn’t enough to push them into the knockout round.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the comeback effort, scoring 16 of his 24 points in the second half as Memphis controlled the fourth quarter and secured its fourth win in five games. The Grizzlies finished group play 3–1 in West Group B but fell short of advancing because the Phoenix Suns held the superior point differential needed to clinch the wild-card spot.
Despite the elimination, Memphis continued its recent surge. Vincent Williams Jr. added 16 points, Santi Aldama scored 13 off the bench, and rookie center Zach Edey dominated the boards with 21 rebounds — a career-best performance that helped tilt momentum late.
Memphis struggled to find offensive rhythm early, relying mostly on perimeter shooting to stay within reach. But the tenor of the game changed after halftime. The Grizzlies closed the third quarter on a run and entered the fourth trailing 81–78. Early in the final period, Cedric Coward gave Memphis its first lead of the night, and the team never looked back.
The Clippers opened the game scorching from deep, knocking down their first three three-point attempts and going six for nine from beyond the arc in the first quarter. Kawhi Leonard carried the offense throughout with an efficient and explosive 39 points in just 29 minutes. James Harden added 23 points in support.
But Los Angeles’ shooting cooled dramatically as the game went on. The Clippers finished just 12 for 38 from long range, failing to generate consistent offense in the closing stretch. The loss marked their sixth straight at home — their last win at Intuit Dome came on Oct. 31.
Before tipoff, the Clippers honored veteran guard Chris Paul with a tribute video in his first home appearance since announcing this season would be his last. Paul finished with five points and two rebounds in 15 minutes.
Both teams now turn their attention fully to regular-season play. The Clippers host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, while the Grizzlies travel north to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.