Memphis was ahead 99-95 in the fourth period, but Smith struck for a pair of key baskets to lead the Clippers on a decisive 10-2 run. The Clippers' cause was also aided by a 3-pointer from Rasual Butler to make it 105-101 with 3:13 left.
Butler finished with 17 points while Chris Kaman led a balanced Los Angeles attack with 26 points and nine boards. The Clippers missed four of eight free throws down the stretch to allow Memphis to stay in the game, but Rudy Gay's last-ditch 3-pointer missed.
Gay led all scorers with 33 points while Zach Randolph tallied 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Memphis defeat. The Grizzlies have gone winless on a five-game road trip.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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