Sport News : Clippers edge Grizzlies in overtime to lead series 3-1

While forward Griffin also contributed seven assists, All-Star point guard Chris Paul weighed in with 27 points and nine rebounds as the Clippers took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Griffin stole a layup with a crucial offensive rebound to put the Clippers ahead 95-89 before fouling out and the ever-reliable Paul poured in four jump shots in overtime to ensure that the home team stayed narrowly in front.

Guard Mike Conley top-scored with 25 points for the Grizzlies who twice led by a point early in the fourth quarter and piled on late pressure with an 11-1 run to tie the game at 85-85 with 35.5 seconds left.

Paul put the Clippers ahead 87-85 with a darting drive and layup before Zach Randolph responded for the Grizzlies with two free throws to level the score at 87-87 before the game went into extra time.

Game Five is in Memphis on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies made a fast start to Game Four, racing 10-2 up after a Rudy Gay driving layup before the Clippers fought back to lead 32-26 after the first quarter.

Helped by Griffin's dazzling form which included twisting drives and an alley-oop slam dunk off an assist by Mo Williams, the home team maintained control as they reached halftime 51-45 ahead.

The sell-out crowd at Staples Center roared the Clippers on in the third quarter, chants of "MVP MVP" echoing in the rafters as f ive-time All-Star Paul poured in two free throws to put his team 62-55 up.

However, the Grizzlies stayed in touch, trimming the deficit to 69-68 early in the fourth quarter with a put-back dunk shot by Gay, then going ahead with a free throw by Gay followed by another by Hamed Haddadi.

The lead swiftly changed hands three times before a Nick Young three-point jump shot gave the Clippers welcome breathing room with a 77-72 advantage and just over six minutes remaining.

Two free throws from Griffin earned Los Angeles a 10-point cushion with just over four minutes left before the gritty Grizzlies delivered their late flourish to send the game into overtime.