Memphis Grizzlies wrap up series win against Portland Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies have booked a spot in the Western Conference semi-finals after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 99-93 in game five of their first-round playoff series.

After a closely-fought first quarter, the home side started to pull ahead before the interval as Marc Gasol and Courtney Lee added a run of shots just before the interval.

Portland made a bright start to the second half as they fought to keep themselves in contention in the series, with LaMarcus Aldridge levelling the scores with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, but Jeff Green made sure that the Grizzlies were back in front going into the final spell.

The Blazers were level again early in the fourth when Robin Lopez made a couple of free throws, but it did not take Green long to re-establish the home side's advantage.

Damian Lillard found the basket three times in the final minute as he tried to turn things around for the visitors, but Memphis responded each time to keep themselves in front.

The result sets up a Western Conference semi-final series with the Golden State Warriors, who completed a clean sweep over the New Orleans Pelicans last night.