Clippers back in comfort zone

If only the Clippers could play the Memphis Grizzlies every game, or at least whenever they’re in need of a confidence boost.

The lowly Grizzlies often brighten the mood of their opponents, and they arrived just in time to lift the Clippers’ spirits Wednesday night in a 105-90 victory in front of 15,829 at Staples Center.

Cuttino Mobley scored 24 points and Elton Brand contributed 20 points and nine rebounds as the Clippers ended a losing streak at five games. The Clippers had six players score in double figures, got 34 points from their bench and made 52.9% of their field-goal attempts.

They were in command from the start against Memphis -- tied with Charlotte for the worst record in the NBA at 4-11 -- leading by as many as 22 points in the second half.

Apparently, the Grizzlies were exactly the type of opponent the Clippers needed after a disappointing three-game trip left them winless on the road to this point.

“This basketball team is not going to panic,” Sam Cassell said. “We know what we’re capable of, we know what we can do, we just have to keep working hard.”

Said Corey Maggette: “We haven’t played well, like we know we can play, but how many games are left in the season? We know we can get it going again.”

Of course, the Clippers (7-7) are playing without injured center Chris Kaman, Cassell still appeared slowed because of an ankle injury and the Lakers are up next in another Staples Center showdown Saturday.

Even at full strength, the Clippers had a bad experience while losing in the first game against their Staples neighbors this season, but the Clippers weren’t thinking about the Lakers on Wednesday. The Clippers needed something positive after more than a week of negative reinforcement, and the Grizzlies fit nicely.

“I was obviously pleased with the way the ball went into the basket for us tonight,” said Coach Mike Dunleavy, whose team shot 30.6% from the field in Tuesday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena.

“We had a lot of good ball movement and had good shots. It was similar to what we had in [Tuesday] night’s game as well. Tonight, the difference was we made the buckets.”

The Clippers outscored the Grizzlies, 13-3, early in the third quarter to build a 76-54 lead, but their intensity briefly waned. The Grizzlies used a 15-2 spurt to pull within 81-73 at the start of the final quarter, but the Clippers pulled away.

Again, Quinton Ross led the charge with his play on defense, getting five steals. Ross also scored 11 points while making his four shots from the field.

“They put some runs on us, but our guys came up with some big plays, particularly Q Ross,” Dunleavy said. “He came up with some huge steals and loose balls.”

The Clippers went on a 20-0 run at one point in the first half, led by as many as 21 and held a 15-point (64-49) halftime advantage. Mobley sent the Clippers to the locker room on a high note, stealing a pass and making a three-pointer as time expired.

The shot was among Mobley’s many highlights in a 22-point half -- the most points a Clippers players has scored before halftime this season. Mobley made 10 of 12 shots from the field, including both of his attempts from behind the arc. He made 11 of 17 shots in the game.

“He had the hot hand, so we tried to just stay with it,” Dunleavy said. “He did a great job of attacking them and making his jumpers.”

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As of Wednesday, only single tickets were still available for Saturday’s game against the Lakers, a Clippers spokesman said. In addition, there aren’t many tickets remaining for Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

The team recently released 300 tickets for Tuesday’s game against Miami.

jason.reid@latimes.com