Updated: May 2, 2012, 11:35 am ET

Caron Butler Breaks Hand

The Los Angeles Clippers got off to a slow start on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round matchup.

While down double-figures, they lost forward Caron Butler to a fractured left hand.  The long-term impact of the injury is unclear but his postseason would presumably be in jeopardy.

Barring a late fourth-quarter comeback, the Clippers would get a second crack at the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

In Butler’s place the Clippers can turn to guard Nick Young or forwards Bobby Simmons or Ryan Gomes.

UPDATE:  “Barring a late fourth-quarter comeback” indeed.  The Clippers, who were down by 27, rode a flurry from Nick Young, a tremendous defense from Reggie Evans (and Kenyon Martin on the final defensive stand) and a touch of Memphis collapse to upset the home team 99-98.

Now LA is in a position to take control of the series on Wednesday with a victory before returning home for games three and four.  At a minimum, they’ve taken over home court advantage with a split.

 

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