Now the Clippers, after a franchise record 56 victories during the regular season and home-court advantage in the first round, are in trouble as Game 6 in Memphis looms Thursday.
“We’ve got to be desperate,” said guard Chris Paul, who tied his career playoff high with 35 points, but couldn’t find enough help. “That’s how it is. You say playoffs don’t start until somebody loses at home, I guess now it’s started. We lost here at home. Tried to come out with some energy but they beat us up again.”
Griffin was injured in practice Monday during a drill, when he made a layup and landed on Lamar Odom’s foot. It’s a high ankle sprain, the type that requires longer healing.
“It’s tough, but L.O. did a great job stepping up into that spot,” Paul said. “It’s got to be by committee. You don’t replace Blake Griffin with one person.
“It’s tough, but right now we’re in the heart of our season and we’re fighting for our lives. BG tried to give it a go and we knew he would. It’s a tough blow, but what can you do?”