(Reuters) - The Los Angeles Clippers picked up where they left off in their budding rivalry with the Memphis Grizzlies, claiming a 101-92 home triumph in the season-opener for both teams on Wednesday.
Facing a Grizzlies side they edged out over seven games in the Western Conference first-round playoffs last season, the Clippers prevailed in a scrappy contest courtesy of a strong fourth quarter.
Chris Paul had a quiet night before emerging with six straight points late in the game to turn a one-point Clippers lead into a 93-88 advantage.
Off-season acquisition Jamal Crawford then brought the victory home in the last three minutes with a laser-like three-pointer and a driving layup that put the Clippers 98-90 ahead.
Crawford wasted little time endearing himself with the home fans on his Clippers debut by recording a game-high 29 points, including 12 in the pivotal fourth.
Rudy Gay led Memphis with 25 points and Marc Gasol added 20 in a game that witnessed more bad blood between the teams.
Physical big men Blake Griffin of Los Angeles and the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph locked horns throughout the playoff series and the pair again engaged in a series of bruising encounters before each drawing technical fouls in the fourth.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
