The Los Angeles Clippers looked like a Western Conference contender during the first two games of their playoff series with the Grizzlies. With a convincing victory in Game 1 followed by a thrilling game-winning bucket by Chris Paul in Game 2, the Clippers got out to a quick 2-0 series lead.
Moving to Memphis for Games 3 and 4 however, the Clippers struggled mightily, dropping Game 3 by 12 points and getting hammered in Game 4, 104-83. With the series now tied at 2-2 heading back to Los Angeles, Game 5 is certainly the biggest these two squads will play all season.
The battle tips off Tuesday night at 10:30pm, EDT and can be seen on TNT television.
Chris Paul and the Clippers entered the series with Memphis as a slight favorite. Struggling in double-digit losses over the last two games however, the Clipper defense was significantly exposed during crucial moments in each loss.
Knowing Game 5 could potentially swing the series in favor of the winning team, Paul knows L.A. can't afford to have another lapse in energy.
"It's the biggest game of the season for us. We've got to win this game," Paul told NBA.com reporters. "We've got to come out with more energy, obviously, and with the same intensity in Game 5 as we did in Game 1 and 2."
While Los Angeles will have to put the last two games in the rearview mirror, the Grizzlies hope they can build off the momentum they gained at home as the series returns back to the West Coast.
"We've got to understand we are going into a hostile environment," Grizzlies guard Tony Allen told reporters. "I just think from one through 14 all guys are locked in. And I think when you have that kind of mindset going on the road, you are able to get wins."
In the Game 4 thrashing of the Clippers, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol led the way for Memphis with 24 points each while guard Mike Conley added 15 points and 13 assists.
The Grizzlies defense also did a tremendous job controlling Clippers sixth man Jamal Crawford. In 29 minutes of action, Crawford was only able to muster up 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting.
Blake Griffin and Chris Paul combined for 38 points in the loss but their individual efforts were not enough against a Memphis team that scored in bunches and got every crucial defense stop they needed, evening the series at 2-2.
As the Western Conference series shifts back to Los Angeles, Game 5 should be full of thrills, something expected this time of year.
Be sure to catch Game 5 of the Western Conference Playoffs between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies, Tuesday night at 10:30pm, EDT on TNT television.
Watch Highlights from the Grizzlies 104-83 win over L.A. in Game 4:
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