GRIZZLIES 94, CLIPPERS 85: Marc Gasol had 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as host Memphis defeated Los Angeles.

Rudy Gay scored 16 points and O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley contributed 13 points apiece as the Grizzlies won their third straight game and eighth in their last 10.

Chris Paul scored 21 points and Blake Griffin added 19 for the Clippers, who lost for only the second time in 10 games and fell 1 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division race.

Memphis is fifth in the Western Conference playoff chase, one-half game behind the Clippers.

Los Angeles trailed 81-64 with seven minutes to play before making a frantic run.

Paul had seven points during a 19-5 surge and DeAndre Jordan’s dunk pulled the Clippers within 86-83 with 55.8 seconds remaining.

Gay responded with a dunk 18 seconds later and hit two free throws with 30.9 seconds to help Memphis stymie the Los Angeles threat.

The Grizzlies led 71-60 entering the final quarter and boosted the lead to 17 on Mayo’s basket before Los Angeles went on its run.

Marreese Speights had 12 points and eight rebounds and Zach Randolph added 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies.

Jordan had 14 points and 14 rebounds with 10 coming on the offensive boards for the Clippers.

Memphis shot 55 percent in the first half en route to a 52-41 lead.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Randolph was involved in a car accident Monday and missed the team’s shootaround. … Jordan’s season-high for rebounds is 16 against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22. … Memphis guard Tony Allen (cut mouth) missed his third straight game. … Clippers guard Mo Williams (left big toe) missed his 10th consecutive contest.