Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised his team’s resilience following a 112-107 comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday at the Intuit Dome.
“We had another gear… in the second half, great performance, especially defensively,” Iisalo said.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 24 points, including 16 in the second half, helping the Grizzlies erase a 16-point deficit and secure a 3-1 finish in NBA Cup group play. Vincent Williams Jr. added 16 points, and Santi Aldama contributed 13 off the bench, while Zach Edey grabbed 21 rebounds despite scoring only five.
Iisalo noted the importance of focusing on process over results. “The 16 points came because we were allowing the Clippers to bully us out of our spots… it was more about us competing the way we can,” he said, reflecting on Memphis’ adjustments on both ends of the floor.
The Grizzlies turned the game in the third quarter, closing the period at 81-78 and taking the lead early in the fourth when Cedric Coward scored to spark an eight-point advantage by the final buzzer. Iisalo credited his team’s defensive intensity and execution for the comeback.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 39 points on 15-of-24 shooting, and James Harden added 23, but Los Angeles struggled from deep, connecting on just 31.6% of three-pointers after a strong first quarter. Chris Paul, honored with a video tribute in his first home game since announcing retirement, contributed five points and two rebounds in limited minutes.
The win extends Memphis’ road streak to three games, showcasing their ability to close out contests despite early struggles. Iisalo highlighted the role of rebounding and creating open shots, saying the team “kept doing the same things that have brought us success in the last few games.”
Memphis shot 44% from the field and 43% from three-point range, while the Clippers converted 38% of their three-point attempts. The Grizzlies’ disciplined play and defensive intensity in the fourth quarter were decisive factors in securing the victory.
Looking ahead, Memphis travels to Sacramento on Sunday, while the Clippers host Dallas on Saturday, seeking to break a six-game home losing streak. Iisalo stressed the continued importance of process and effort as the team builds momentum for the next stage of the season.
