NBA Playoffs 2012: Chris Paul Seals The Deal In OT, Clippers Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Memphis

“CP3” Chris Paul scored 8 of the Clippers 10 points in overtime to help lead Los Angeles to a 101-97 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in game 4 late last night.

The Clippers are now on the verge of winning just their second playoff series in 36 years.

CHRIS PAUL CHRIS PAUL CHRIS PAUL

Way to ruin my game 4 prediction!! I picked the Memphis Grizzlies to win last nights game because I believed that this series was so even and the teams were so alike that they would just go back and forth until an eventual game 7 in Memphis.

That’s (more than likely) not the case anymore. The Clippers are now up 3-1 and will win this series.

Why so confident? There is absolutely no way this team loses 3 straight games to Memphis with Chris Paul.

Paul proved his worth yet again to the Clippers last night and solidified himself as not only the best player in this series, but maybe the best player so far in this years playoffs. CP3 finished the game with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

I mentioned in yesterdays NBA FanSided Podcast that in order for Memphis to win at Staples Center, they would need to focus their defensive attack on stopping Paul because if Chris is kept in check, the rest of the Clippers will fall as well. Memphis did the complete opposite of that and therefore lost the game. He torched them in overtime for 8 points and won the game for Los Angeles in the extra quarter.

Blake Griffin had himself his best game of the series as he went off for 30 points on 10 for 15 shooting. He also added 5 rebounds and 7 assists, but missed 7 free throws on the night that would have clinched the win in regulation. I suppose you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Griffin.

With the San Antonio Spurs waiting in the wings, it would be best for Los Angeles to close out this series in Memphis and take out the Grizzlies with a good ole “gentleman’s sweep”. The longer this series goes, the better off the Spurs will be in the long run.

MEMPHIS ALL BUT FINISHED 

Whoever doubts that the 27 point blown lead in game 1 has had no effect on this Grizzlies team only needs to watch their performance in these past 2 games to be proven wrong.

If that epic Clippers comeback doesn’t happen, then this series is tied at 2 games a piece heading back to Memphis.

That means nothing now. The Grizzlies backs are against the wall and I’m not so sure  they have the fight in them to take this series to the limit anymore.

Marc Gasol and O.J Mayo disappeared last night and provided nothing of any value to the Grizzlies. The 2 combined for 13 points on 2 for 10 shooting and 5 turnovers between them.

Rudy Gay didn’t necessarily help fix the Grizzlies shooting woes either. He did score 25 points, but it took him 23 shots to get it. Overall, Memphis shot a dreadful 43% from the field on the night.

On the bright side, the Grizzlies do have 2 of the next 3 at home if this series does go the full 7. L.A did win game 1 in Memphis so home court isn’t much of an advantage anymore in retrospect.

QUOTES OF THE GAME (AN ODE TO PAUL)

”Chris (Paul) is always intense. That’s what makes him special. Chris is so good, not only at making plays for himself, but making the right play. That’s what makes him a star.” – Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro

”It’s Chris Paul. He made his name off doing that. He’s a tough guard. We can try and make it tougher on him, but still he’s going to make plays and make his teammates better. That’s what he’s been doing.” – Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay

TWEET OF THE GAME

FINAL THOUGHTS

– What on earth was Nick Young wearing in that post-game press conference? It looks like a cross between a Hawaiian shirt and something the Aztecs wore when they were predicting our doom 1000 years ago.

– I love how this female fan busts out her camera when Chris Paul’s @$$ is two feet away from her. She looked so eager and excited. That 5 second span must have made her life. If she’s reading this, I hope she tags me on Facebook in the picture. Can I be the right cheek?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDUePCMHs88&feature=player_embedded

– Can someone book these games earlier in the day please? I don’t know how many more 2 am endings I can take.

NEXT GAME

Game 5 Wed. May 9, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30

Christopher Walder is a sports blogger and lead editor for Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter @WalderSports