NBA: Memphis 92, Los Angeles Clippers 80

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MEMPHIS, May 10 (UPI) -- Marc Gasol sent Memphis to a quick start Wednesday and the Grizzlies held on to avoid playoff elimination with a 92-80 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Memphis scored 36 points in the opening period to take a 14-point lead and survived down the stretch despite making only four field goals in the final quarter.

The Los Angeles lead in the opening-round series was cut to 3-2. The Clippers will have another chance to close out the series at home Friday. A seventh game, if needed, would be played Sunday in Memphis.

San Antonio, which knocked out Utah in four games Monday, awaits the winner of the Grizzlies-Clippers confrontation.

Gasol scored 23 points and Zach Randolph came off the bench to contribute 19 for the Grizzlies. Memphis missed all six of its 3-point attempts, but held Los Angeles to 37 percent shooting and built as much as a 24-point lead late in the third period.

Mo Williams scored 20 points for the Clippers and Chris Paul had 19. Blake Griffin added 15 points and 11 rebounds.