The Memphis Grizzlies lost their first game without Taylor Jenkins in a closely fought matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers' victory has propelled them into the fourth position in the Western Conference standings, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief as they distance themselves from the looming play-in tournament.

The Warriors are currently 20-17 on the road with a point differential of 3, while the Grizzlies have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home.

The Memphis Grizzlies' late-season woes continued on Monday as they fell 117-103 to the Boston Celtics. The 14-point home defeat pushed the sliding Western Conference postseason aspirant closer to the verge of play-in territory.

Urgency is a core principle of ours,” said Kleiman, who spoke for less than three minutes. “So, (I) decided to go on with the move."

The Grizzlies rode a couple of unexpected lineup changes and good early shooting to a six-point halftime lead. But the Clippers adjusted with a lineup change of their own.

Rookie Zach Edey has also impressed with his defensive skill set, reminiscent of past Grizzlies defensive legends.

The general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies says the decision to fire coach Taylor Jenkins with nine games remaining in the regular season with the franchise firmly in the playoff chase was "mine and mine only.