Another rivalry that has quietly developed in the last two seasons is the one between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

This mutual hate developed when they eliminated each other in the past two seasons in the playoffs. Their first round meeting in 2012 saw the Clippers beat the Grizzlies in a grueling seven game death match. They had their rematch in 2013 when Memphis took their revenge. They lost the first two games at the Staples Center and won the next four.

Each of them has left a bitter taste in the other’s mouth.

The Clippers were very disappointed with their first round exit, and they finally read the writing on the wall and sacked Vinny Del Negro. What was surprising is that the Memphis Grizzlies went the same route, and sacked Lionel Hollins, the best coach in their franchise’s history.

With a champion coach in tow (Doc Rivers, formerly of the Boston Celtics) and a line-up built for contention, the Clippers are giddy to take the next step. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies lost their best scorer in Rudy Gay and did not have any significant signings. They are also handled by first year coach David Joerger (probably the least heralded among the new coaches). It seems like they are willing to take a step back, yet retaining their core of players.

Despite their contrasting profiles coming into this year, the rivalry is not any less intense. When defensive specialist Tony Allen, one of the best perimeter defenders in the league met a driving Chris Paul early in the game, he could not resist but give him a slight reminder of their feelings for each other.

Allen was promptly ejected, even though they ruled it as unintentional. Was it an accident? Is it natural for one’s leg to elevate that high on a reflex action? It was a pretty mean kick, for basketball or any sport.

Watch and be the judge!