Grizzlies vs Warriors: Clash of the Western Titans

Warriors Outlast Grizzlies in Play-In Thriller to Secure No. 7 Seed

In a game that lived up to every ounce of hype, the Golden State Warriors held off the Memphis Grizzlies in a high-octane showdown, claiming a 121–116 victory to secure the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Led by vintage performances from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III, the Warriors proved that experience and late-game execution still matter when everything is on the line.

It was a playoff atmosphere from the opening tip. The crowd buzzed with energy as the Warriors and Grizzlies traded early blows. Memphis came in hungry, trying to bounce back after a turbulent and injury-riddled season. Golden State, on the other hand, had a clear goal in mind: avoid a second play-in game and punch their ticket directly to the first round.

Jimmy Butler III, the Warriors' mid-season acquisition who has seamlessly blended into their core, was electric from the jump. He dropped 38 points, including several critical buckets that kept the Grizzlies at bay during their second-half surge. His physicality and relentless drive to the basket gave the younger Memphis squad constant problems.

But it was Stephen Curry, as always, who made the difference when it mattered most. The two-time MVP poured in 37 points, knocking down six 3-pointers and going a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. When the Grizzlies pulled within a point late in the fourth quarter, it was Curry who steadied the ship, scoring or assisting on the final seven points of the game.

“I just do what I do,” Curry said postgame, flashing his trademark grin. “We’ve been in these moments before. It’s about staying poised, trusting each other, and making the right plays.”

Despite the loss, the Grizzlies showed grit and promise. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 30 points, attacking the rim fearlessly and hitting big-time shots to keep his team within striking distance. Ja Morant, playing through a noticeable ankle injury sustained early in the third quarter, contributed 22 gutsy points and orchestrated several key runs in the second half.

“We gave it everything we had,” Morant said. “No one in this locker room is backing down. We’ll be ready for the next one.”

Rookie center Zach Edey was a standout presence in the paint, tallying 14 points and 17 rebounds. His size and footwork gave the Warriors’ frontcourt fits at times, particularly in the second and third quarters when Memphis grabbed control of the boards and started to dictate the tempo.

Golden State led by as much as 14 in the first half, thanks in large part to their unselfish ball movement and hot perimeter shooting. Draymond Green, while quiet on the stat sheet, was instrumental in organizing the defense and orchestrating the offense from the high post. His vocal leadership kept the Warriors locked in during the more chaotic moments of the game.

Memphis surged back in the third quarter with a 15–3 run, sparked by Bane’s shooting and Morant’s fearless drives. For a moment, it felt like the young Grizzlies were about to steal the momentum entirely, especially after Santi Aldama buried a deep three to give Memphis a brief 96–95 lead heading into the fourth.

But the Warriors’ championship DNA showed in crunch time. Butler bullied his way to the rim for an and-one layup midway through the fourth, followed by a signature Curry step-back three that ignited the Chase Center crowd. Even with all that, Memphis had a final chance to tie the game with under 30 seconds to go.

Trailing by three, the Grizzlies inbounded the ball, but an unforced error from Aldama—a five-second violation—gave the ball back to Golden State. Curry calmly sank both free throws to ice the game.

The Warriors will now advance to face the second-seeded Houston Rockets in what promises to be a compelling first-round series. Meanwhile, Memphis will have to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the winner of the Kings-Mavericks matchup for the final playoff spot.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised his team’s resilience. “This group’s been through a lot. But they know how to compete. That was a playoff game in every sense. Proud of the way we responded under pressure.”

For the Grizzlies, the road continues to be steep—but far from over. Their young core, bolstered by Morant, Bane, and Edey, will look to bounce back and prove they belong in the postseason conversation.

If this game was any indication, neither team is going down quietly. The playoffs have arrived, and both the Warriors and Grizzlies are bringing the fire.