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Morant scores 28, leads Grizz to 120-114 win over Clippers

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ja Morant led five starters in double figures with 28 points and the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 120-114 in their home opener Saturday night.

Morant burned Cleveland for 37 points - second-most in franchise history in a season opener - in the Grizzlies' 11-point win. He came back strong to open a four-game West Coast trip in which the Grizzlies face three playoff teams from last season.

The Clippers twice got within two points in the final 1:14 on baskets by Paul George, who finished with 41 points and 10 rebounds.

But Jaren Jackson Jr. answered with a 3-pointer that kept the Grizzlies in front 119-114 with 17 seconds to go.

George missed a 25-footer and Luke Kennard fouled Desmond Bane, who made 1 of 2 free throws. George missed again from the left side as the Clippers fell to 0-2 to start the season.

De'Anthony Melton added 22 points, Jackson had 21 points, Bane had 19 points and Steven Adams 17 points and nine rebounds for the Grizzlies.

Reggie Jackson added 17 points for the Clippers.

Memphis outscored the Clippers 30-11 to open the third and take an 89-73 lead after trailing much of the first half. Morant and Adams scored nine points each, and Melton and Bane hit back-to-back 3-pointers.

The Clippers closed with a 14-8 spurt, including consecutive 3-pointers from George, to trail 97-89 going into the fourth.

TIP-INS

Grizzlies: Ziaire Williams, the 10th overall pick in the NBA draft, finished with six points, two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes.

Clippers: Dressed in street clothes, Kawhi Leonard sat next to the coaches on the Clippers' bench. He's rehabbing from surgery for a partial tear of his right ACL in July. ... Lost to Golden State by three in their season opener.

UP NEXT

Grizzlies: Play the Lakers on Sunday as part of a four-game trip, tied for their longest of the season.

Clippers: Host Portland on Monday in the middle of a three-game homestand.

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) drives against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) The Associated Press
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. , right, is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, top left, and guard Eric Bledsoe (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson, right, drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) The Associated Press
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