CP3 leads Clips past Grizz in OT to 3-1 lead

By Greg Beacham

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, May 8 2012 12:21 a.m. MDT

Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin and Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph are separated during the first half of a NBA first-round playoff basketball game in Los Angeles, Monday, May 7, 2012.

Chris Carlson, Associated Press

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Summary

Chris Paul scored eight of his 27 points in a dynamic overtime performance, and the Los Angeles Clippers moved to the brink of their second playoff series victory in 36 years with a 101-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, taking a 3-1 series lead.

LOS ANGELES — Chris Paul scored eight of his 27 points in a dynamic overtime performance, and the Los Angeles Clippers moved to the brink of their second playoff series victory in 36 years with a 101-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, taking a 3-1 series lead.

Blake Griffin had 30 points and seven assists before fouling out with 2:26 left in overtime for the Clippers, who blew a 10-point lead in the final 4½ minutes of regulation before their All-Star point guard took charge in the overtime.

Mike Conley scored a career playoff-high 25 points and Rudy Gay had 23 on 8-of-25 shooting for the Grizzlies, who couldn't match Paul's late-game poise in another thrilling chapter of a highly entertaining series.

Game 5 is Wednesday night in Memphis, with Game 6 back at Staples Center on Friday if necessary.

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