In a high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament showdown Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 to secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Led by Stephen Curry’s 37 points and Jimmy Butler’s career-high 38-point explosion, Golden State snapped its 0-3 play-in tournament losing streak while handing Memphis a gut-wrenching setback. The victory sets up a first-round clash with the Houston Rockets, while the Grizzlies face elimination in Thursday’s play-in rematch against Dallas or Sacramento. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game’s pivotal moments, key stats, and what this means for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
Game Breakdown: Warriors Survive Grizzlies’ Late Push
The contest unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the final minutes. Golden State seized control early, shooting 48.7% from the field and burying 14 three-pointers to build a 67-55 halftime lead . Curry’s gravity on offense—combined with Butler’s relentless drives— Kevon Looney (10 rebounds).
Memphis refused to fold, however. Desmond Bane’s 30-point barrage and Ja Morant’s 22-point, 8-assist effort kept the Grizzlies within striking distance. A late 14-2 run trimmed Golden State’s lead to 116-113 with 1:32 remaining, but Butler’s dagger three-pointer and clutch free throws sealed the win .
Key Stats:
- Warriors: Shot 60% from the field in the first half, with Butler hitting 12-of-20 shots and Curry connecting on 7-of-15 threes.
- Grizzlies: Struggled defensively, allowing 1.15 points per possession despite forcing 15 turnovers. Bane and Morant combined for 52 points but shot just 42% from deep .
Injury Impact: Warriors Health vs. Grizzlies’ Roster Gaps
Golden State entered the game relatively healthy, with only Moses Moody (back spasms) sidelined. Butler, in particular, proved vital after joining the team midseason—his 38-point performance marked his third 30-point game since February .
Memphis, meanwhile, played without key contributors. Jaylen Wells (fractured wrist) and Brandon Clarke (knee sprain) were sidelined, robbing the Grizzlies of defensive versatility and rebounding . Their absence was felt most in the paint, where Golden State outscored Memphis 54-40.
X-Factor: Jimmy Butler’s Leadership
Butler’s impact extended beyond scoring. His six assists and seven rebounds highlighted his playmaking, while his defensive stops on Morant in crunch time were decisive. “Jimmy’s been a warrior for us,” Curry said postgame. “He’s got that dog in him—exactly what we needed.”
Season Context: Warriors’ Resilience vs. Grizzlies’ Youth Movement
The Warriors’ win caps a rollercoaster regular season. After a 13-19 start, they roared back to .500, fueled by Curry’s 24.1 PPG and Butler’s steady presence. Their 113.1 offensive rating ranks fifth in the league, but defensive lapses (111.0 DRtg) remain a concern .
Memphis, despite injuries, finished with a 44-28 record, driven by Morant’s 23.2 PPG and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive dominance (2.5 blocks/game). However, their reliance on young stars—like Bane (24.3 PPG) and Santi Aldama (13.8 PPG)—exposed vulnerabilities against playoff-tested teams.
What’s Next?
- Warriors: Face Houston in a best-of-seven series. The Rockets’ 122.3 offensive rating (second in the NBA) will test Golden State’s defense, but Curry’s history of playoff heroics could swing the matchup.
- Grizzlies: Must beat Dallas or Sacramento to avoid missing the playoffs entirely. Morant’s health (shoulder soreness) and Bane’s consistency will be critical.
Why This Matters for NBA Fans
This game encapsulated the NBA’s new playoff format—where one loss can derail a season. For Golden State, it’s a chance to silence doubters who questioned their championship mettle. For Memphis, it’s a wake-up call about the importance of depth.
As the playoffs heat up, expect more nail-biters like this one. The Warriors’ experience and Grizzlies’ youth promise thrilling basketball—but only one team will advance.