Clippers lead Memphis at halftime, 56-42

The Clippers entered Saturday’s game against Memphis on a three-game losing streak, partially because they haven’t been able to close quarters in a strong manner.

In the first half against the Grizzlies, they seemed to temporarily patch that hole, which has enabled them to take a 56-42 lead.

The Clippers ended the first quarter on 12-0 run to take a 33-17 advantage into the second quarter.

During that scoring spree, there was an incredible Chris Paul juke followed by a floating layup, a Blake Griffin jam and a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Bobby Simmons, who the Clippers re-signed on Saturday.

In the second quarter, the Clippers’ lead was reduced to single digits three times, but the Grizzlies couldn’t complete a comeback.

Paul leads the Clippers with 13 points and eight assists. Blake Griffin has 11 points, Caron Butler has 10 and Randy Foye added nine points.

The Clippers are outshooting the Grizzlies, 51.3% to 44.1% and outrebounding them, 16-14.

Other notables: Griffin took a hard foul with 2:02 remaining in the first quarter. He was knocked down while going up for a rebound and it looked as though all 251 pounds of his body landed on his tail bone. He rubbed his back for a moment then continued playing.

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Clippers lead Memphis at halftime, 56-42