In the fourth quarter Wednesday night in Memphis, the Clippers looked ready to make their move. Chris Paul had just converted on a four-point play to put the Clippers within four.
But unlike Sunday night, the Clippers weren't able to shake their earlier shortcomings, eventually falling 105-98.
The biggest woes for the Clippers came in three areas -- the offensive glass, turnovers and on the foul line.
Memphis dominated in those three facets, grabbing 12 more offensive rebounds, committing 12 fewer turnovers and shooting 21 more free throws.
"It's hard to beat a team that shoots 21 more free throws than you," Paul said.
Paul also turned the ball over five times.
"That was huge," Paul said. "It's my fault. I turned the ball over way too much. I have to figure out how to get them off of me."
Game 3 of the series is Saturday afternoon at Staples Center.
NOTES, QUOTES
Injuries starting to pile up
--While the Clippers accomplished one goal by splitting with the Grizzlies in Memphis, home-court advantage didn't come without a price.
After losing Caron Butler with a fractured hand Sunday, Mo Williams, Nick Young and Eric Bledsoe all had to be treated for minor injuries in the second half Wednesday night.
"Hopefully they'll be OK because we have no one left," Chris Paul said frankly.
The Clippers will have Thursday off before returning to practice Friday.
"We'll just have to heal up. There's not a lot of time," Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We have to go with the guys who are healthy. Other guys might have to step up.
"We'll make it work somehow."
--With the series tied at one game each, the Clippers and Memphis will play Saturday at Staples Center. The Clippers are the only lower-seeded team in the Western Conference to win a game on the road so far this postseason.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're madder about losing this one than we were excited about winning Game 1." -- Clippers guard Chris Paul on the team's attitude after its 105-98 loss to Memphis Wednesday.
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Blake Griffin looked more comfortable on the block in his second career postseason game. Wednesday against Memphis, Griffin scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting.
--F Bobby Simmons didn't play in Game 1 Sunday, but with Caron Butler out, Simmons made the start in Game 2 Wednesday. Simmons played 22 minutes and scored nine points.
--C DeAndre Jordan helped hold Memphis center Marc Gasol to eight points. Jordan scored six points of his own and blocked four shots.
--G Chris Paul turned the ball over five times, but otherwise he was incredibly efficient on the offensive end. Paul led the Clippers with 29 points on only 17 shots.
