Oklahoma City, Okla. — Kobe Bryant can only watch as Thunder players celebrate in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61414

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Oklahoma City, Okla. — Lakers Pau Gasol wants a foul called on his missed shot against the Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61412

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Oklahoma City, Okla. — Lakers Ramon Sessions is fouled by Thunders Nazr Mphammed during a shot attempt in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals on Monday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61411

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Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin pulls his jersey over his head as the Clippers lose 102-99 to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center on Sunday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61275

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Los Angeles — Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan is blocked by San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan while going up for a shot during Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61273

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Los Angeles — Chris Paul loses the ball after his shot is blocked by Tim Duncan in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61274

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Los Angeles — Lakers Kobe Bryant walks off the court along with Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol as Russell Westbrook raises his arms at the end of the game in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center Saturday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61408

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Los Angeles — Metta World Peace of the Lakers grabs a rebound from Russell Westbrook of the Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center Saturday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61407

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Los Angeles CA, USA — Kobe Bryant flips up a difficult shot over Thunder defenders late in game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61409

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Los Angeles — Lakers Metta World Peace stretches before the teams match against the Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center Saturday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61410

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Los Angeles — Clippers Blake Griffin loses the ball in front of Kawhi Leonard, left, and Boris Diaw in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61224

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Los Angeles — Clippers head coach Vinny del Negro looks down after Reggie Evans misses his 2nd free throw against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61225

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Los Angeles — Clippers forward Blake Griffin knocks the ball from Spurs guard Manu Giniobil in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61226

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Los Angeles — Spurs guard Tony Parker watches his three pont attempt sail through the basket as a front row Clippers fan tries to distract him during the second half in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61227

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Los Angeles — The crowd erupts as Clippers guard Moe Williams hits a three point basket in the first half against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61228

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Los Angeles — The Clippers bench reacts after Mo Williams three-pointer basket against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61229

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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts at the conclusion of the Lakers' 99-96 victory over the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61217

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Lakers foreward Metta World Peace gets tangled up with Thunder guard Russell Westbrook in the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center. The struggle lead to a minor altercation and each player was assessed a technical foul.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61218

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Referee Joey Crawford holds back Oklahoma Thunder Russell Westbrook after an altercation with Lakers Metta World Peace during a floor scramble in the first half in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61219

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Lakers Matt Barnes tries to block the shot of Oklahoma Thunder Russell Westbrook in the first half in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61220

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Lakers Kobe Bryant collides with Oklahoma Thunder Derek Fisher trying to intercept a pass in the first half in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61221

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Thunder point guard Derek Fisher reacts after being called for a foul against Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61222

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San Antonio — Clippers Caron Butler falls to the floor chasing a loose ball in front of the Spurs Kawhi Leonard in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61166

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San Antonio — Clippers Blake Griffin is held back after having a few words with referee Ken Mauer in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61167

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San Antonio — Clippers Reggie Evans, left, grabs a rebound from teammate Kenyon Martin and the Spurs Boris Diaw in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61168

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San Antonio — Clippers Mo Williams fouls Spurs Kawhi Leonard during a shot attempt in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61169

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Oklahoma City — Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant of the Lakers walk off the court after losing to the Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal on Wednesday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61021

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Oklahoma City — Lakers Matt Barnes strips the ball away from Thunders James Harden as Kobe Bryant helps on defense in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in Oklahoma City.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61028

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Oklahoma City — Despite defensive pressure Thunders Russell Westbrook drives past Lakers Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in Oklahoma City.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61029

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Oklahoma City — Kobe Bryant of the Lakers drives to the basket for a layup against the Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal on Wednesday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61019

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Oklahoma City — Steve Blake of the Lakers forces the Thunder's Serge Ibaka into a jump ball as Pau Gasol helps on defense Wednesday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=61020

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San Antonio — CLippers DeAndre Jordan has his shot blocked by Spurs Boris Diaw , right, as Tony Parker helps ion defense in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60950

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San Antonio — Clippers Eric Bledsoe wipes his sweat away as head coach Vinny Del Negro talks to him during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60951

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San Antonio — Clippers Chris Paul and Spurs Manu Ginobilli battle for a rebound in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60952

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San Antonio — Spurs Manu Ginobili drives past Clippers Eric Bledsoe in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals in San Antonio.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60953

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Oklahoma City — Derek Fisher of the Thunder drives to the basket against Matt Barnes, Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill of the Lakers during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal on Monday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60882

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Oklahoma City — Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and James Harden of the Thunder battle for a loose ball in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal on Monday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60883

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Oklahoma City — Andrew Bynum of the Lakers has the ball knocked away by Thabo Sefolosha of the Thunder for a turnover during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal on Monday night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60881

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Memphis — A jubilant Nick Young walks off the court after he helped the Clippers beat the Grizzlies 82-72 in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60785

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Memphis — Chris Paul loses the ball to Grizzlies' defenders Mike Conley and Tony Adams in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60786

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Memphis — Grizzlies guard Tony Allen remains on the floor after fighting a losing battle for a loose ball in the second half in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60787

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Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Grizzlies center Marc Gasol battle for position early in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60788

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Memphis — Clippers center DeAndre Jordan lets out a yell as the team leaves the locker room to play the Grizzlies in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60906

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Los Angeles — Lakers Pau Gasol battles for a loose ball with Nuggets Corey Brewer, left, and Al Harrington in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Los Angeles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60789

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Los Angeles — Lakers Pau Gasol is fouled by Nuggets Timofey Mozgov, left, as Kenneth Faried helps on defense in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Los Angeles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60790

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Los Angeles — Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is double-teamed by Denver Nuggets' Al Harrington, left, and Aaron Afflalo in the first quarter in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Los Angeles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60792

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Los Angeles — Lakers Steve Blake strips the ball away form Nuggets Ty Lawson in Game 7 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Los Angeles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60791

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Denver — Lakers Devin Ebanks gets dunked on by Nuggets Timofey Mozgov in the 1st quarter in Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Denver.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60759

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Denver — Lakers Kobe Bryant fouls Nuggets Corey Brewer after losing the ball in Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Denver.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60760

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Denver — An ill Kobe Bryant sits on the bench before the game against the Nuggets as Ramon Sessons prepares for Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series in Denver.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60761

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Denver — Kobe Bryant brings his Lakers teammates to a huddle prior to Game 4 against the Nuggets.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60623

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Los Angeles — Andrew Bynum powers up for a shot against the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at the Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60624

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Los Angeles — Kobe Bryant muscles his way past Nuggets defender Ty Lawson late in Game 2.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60625

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Los Angeles — Lakers coach Mike Brown pleads his case to a referee in Game 2 against the Nuggets.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60626

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Denver — Nuggets center JaVale McGee collides with the Lakers Andrew Bynum in Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60627

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Denver — Lakers coach Mike Brown listens to the national anthem before Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60628

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Denver — Pau Gasol plays keep-away with the Nuggets' Kenneth Faried in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60629

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Denver — The Nuggets' Kenneth Faried is fouled by Andrew Bynum in Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60630

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Denver — Steve Blake, who had just made a three-point shot late in Game 4 against the Nuggets, accepts a hug from Pau Gasol and lets out a yell to Kobe Bryant and Ramon Sessions.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60631

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Los Angeles — The Clippers' Blake Griffin knocks Grizzlies defender Marc Gasol backward in Game 3 of their playoff series at Staples Center.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60632

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Los Angeles — Clippers guard Mo Williams and Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay scramble for a loose ball during Game 3 of their NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60633

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Los Angeles — Tony Allen leaps out of bounds as he steals a pass intended for Blake Griffin in Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60634

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Los Angeles — Clippers coach Vinnie Del Negro questions referee James Capers' call late in Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60635

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Los Angeles — Clippers guard Chris Paul leaps into the stands to save a ball from going out of bounds in overtime of Game 4 against Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60636

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Los Angeles — Randy Foye knocks the ball loose from Grizzlies center Marc Gasol during Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60637

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Los Angeles — Chris Paul hoists a long shot at the end of the second quarter in Game 4 of the Clippers-Grizzlies playoff series.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60638

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Los Angeles — The Clippers' Kenyon Martin battles for a rebound with the Grizzlies' Rudy Gay during Game 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60639

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Memphis — Unhappy Clippers Nick Young, left, Mo Williams, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Reggie Evans glare at the referees, who had just called multiple technical fouls on L.A. in Game 5.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60640

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Memphis — Caron Butler yells out in frustration after being called for a foul in the second half of Game 5 against the Grizzlies.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60641

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Memphis — Chris Paul shoots a free throw as Grizzlies fans wave a large pictures of him -- including one in which he's outfitted as a baby -- during Game 5.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60642

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Memphis — Mo Williams and Marc Gasol collide in Game 5 as Caron Butler looks on.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=60643

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