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Warriors Edge Grizzlies in Play-In Thriller, Will Face Rockets Next
In a dramatic NBA Play-In matchup on Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116. The victory secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and sets up a first-round showdown with the Houston Rockets, the second seed.
The win was powered by a vintage fourth-quarter performance from Stephen Curry, who scored 15 of his 37 points in the final frame. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, acquired mid-season, delivered his best game as a Warrior, leading all scorers with 38 points.
Curry and Butler Deliver in Crunch Time
Golden State’s win was a team effort, but the spotlight remained on its two stars. Butler not only scored efficiently, going 12-of-18 from the free throw line, but also stepped in as a playmaker during key stretches.
Curry closed the game in classic fashion, knocking down three clutch three-pointers in the final minutes, including one after a crucial Memphis turnover.
Their chemistry showed why the Warriors took a gamble by trading for Butler earlier in the season. Since his arrival, the team has gone 24-8, turning their season around.
Memphis’ Mistakes Prove Costly
Memphis started strong, opening up a double-digit lead early in the game. But as has been the story all season, turnovers haunted them. The Grizzlies gave the ball away 19 times, leading to 27 Warriors points.
A key error came with just over two minutes left in the game. With the score close, Ja Morant’s errant pass intended for Zach Edey turned into a fast break and a Curry three-pointer — a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum.
Morant, who briefly exited in the third quarter with a minor ankle injury, finished with 22 points but couldn’t prevent the collapse.
Role Players Need to Step Up for Golden State
While Curry and Butler combined for 75 points, the rest of the Warriors struggled to contribute offensively. Gary Payton II added 12 points off the bench, and Quinten Post had 11, but the remaining supporting cast underperformed.
Veterans like Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and Buddy Hield combined for just a handful of points. Notably, Jonathan Kuminga — who averaged over 15 points per game this season — didn’t play a single minute, raising eyebrows about coach Steve Kerr’s rotation choices.
If the Warriors want to go deep in the postseason, they’ll need more from their bench.
What’s Next?
Golden State now shifts focus to the Houston Rockets in the first round. The Rockets are younger and less experienced, but they’ve been one of the league’s best two-way teams this year. The Warriors’ playoff experience could give them the edge — if their role players show up.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies aren’t out yet. They’ll play the winner of Wednesday’s Kings vs. Mavericks matchup on Friday, with the final Western Conference playoff spot on the line. The winner will face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, the league's top defense and leader in forced turnovers.
