The Memphis Grizzlies are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive after losing their first play-in match against the Golden State Warriors, final score 121-116.
The rivalry between these two teams remains alive and well — it was born during the 2015 Western Conference semifinals series against the Warriors, which turned out to be the Core Four of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and Tony Allen’s last postseason hurrah, and bolstered during the 2022 Western Conference semifinals.
One constant for the Golden State Warriors during that time has been Steph Curry, who is arguably the greatest three-point shooter of all time.
Curry’s prowess from beyond the arc was on display Tuesday night against the Grizzlies: He shot six of 13 from three-point range and 18 of his 37 points came from beyond the arc.
But it wasn’t the Warriors three-point shooting that beat the Grizzlies; the Grizzlies beat themselves by committing too many turnovers and getting into early foul trouble.
Golden State scored 27 points off 20 Memphis turnovers, with 34 free throw attempts compared to Memphis’ 23.
Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo shifted around the starting lineup in the absence of injured rookie forward Jaylen Wells, with Desmond Bane moving into the small forward position and Scotty Pippen Jr. as the starting shooting guard.
By the Numbers:
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points on 11 of 21 overall shooting and five of eight from beyond the arc, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Ja Morant scored 22 points on nine of 18 overall shooting and one of three from three-point range, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Morant turned his ankle during the third quarter, and while he returned to the game, it remains to be seen how it will impact his play going forward.
Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points on six of 15 overall shooting and four of nine from beyond the arc, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Rookie big man Zach Edey finished with 14 points, a game-high 17 rebounds, and two assists.
Santi Aldama led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
Who Got Next?
It’s win or go home time for this Memphis team as they fight to claim the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies will play the winner of tonight’s play-in game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings on Friday, April 18th. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. CDT on ESPN.
