MEMPHIS, April 8 (UPI) -- Zach Randolph's 27 points allowed Memphis to hold off a late charge Friday and pull out a 101-96 win over Sacramento that put the Grizzlies into the playoffs.
Memphis clinched its first post-season trip in five years by winning for the eighth time in 11 games.
The Grizzlies are in eighth place in the Western Conference, a game behind New Orleans. If Memphis finishes in the eighth spot, it will take on San Antonio in the opening round of the playoffs.
Randolph made 10-of-18 shots from the field and Marc Gasol added 18 points. Memphis led by as many as 12 in the fourth period, but did not clinch the game until Randolph made two free throws with 5 seconds remaining.
Sacramento, which has lost four out of six, was led by 18 points from Marcus Thornton.
