Clippers rally past Grizzlies after 19-point deficit

Kawhi Leonard scores 28 points to lead comeback win for Los Angeles

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 19-point first-half deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 123-120 on Saturday night. Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points to lead the Clippers' comeback, while Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points each. The Grizzlies were led by Ty Jerome's 23 points and seven assists, but they were without star guard Ja Morant, who has been out for 20 consecutive games with a left elbow sprain.

Why it matters

The Clippers' comeback win over the Grizzlies showcases their resilience and ability to rally from large deficits, which could be crucial as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The Grizzlies' loss, despite their strong start, highlights their struggles without Morant and the need to find consistent scoring options to support their defense.

The details

The Grizzlies built a 19-point lead early in the second quarter, thanks to 10 first-quarter 3-pointers. However, the Clippers roared back, led by Leonard's 15 second-quarter points, and reclaimed the lead late in the second quarter. The Clippers took control in the fourth quarter, building a nine-point advantage, but the Grizzlies fought back to regain the lead briefly before the Clippers sealed the victory with free throws in the final seconds.

  • The Grizzlies led 90-89 entering the final quarter.
  • The Clippers quickly took command in the fourth quarter, building a nine-point advantage at 101-92.
  • The Grizzlies regained the lead at 118-117 with 2:13 left, but the Clippers retook the lead and never trailed the remainder of the way.
  • Mathurin sank two key free throws with 4.4 seconds left to seal the Clippers' victory.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A star player for the Los Angeles Clippers who scored 28 points to lead his team's comeback win.

Darius Garland

A key contributor for the Clippers, scoring 21 points in the victory.

Bennedict Mathurin

Also scored 21 points for the Clippers, including two crucial free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.

Ty Jerome

Led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 7 assists in the losing effort.

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star guard, who has been out for 20 consecutive games with a left elbow sprain.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game showcased the Clippers' ability to mount a comeback and win despite facing a large deficit, demonstrating their resilience and potential to be a force in the Western Conference playoff race. The Grizzlies' struggles without Morant highlight the importance of their star player and the need for them to find alternative scoring options to support their strong defense.