The Golden State Warriors are playoff-bound after surviving a gritty 121-116 Play-In Tournament battle against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Jimmy Butler (38 points) and Stephen Curry (37 points) delivered a superstar duo performance when it mattered most, combining for 75 of Golden State’s points in the win.
Butler, playing through a tender left quad, dominated with 7 rebounds and 6 assists while drawing 18 free throw attempts. His steal and dunk in the third quarter swung momentum permanently in Golden State’s favor after Memphis had cut the deficit to one.
Curry shook off early defensive pressure to bury backbreaking threes in the final two minutes, including a dagger from the left wing with 60 seconds remaining. The two-time MVP added 8 rebounds and went a perfect 13-of-13 from the stripe.
Memphis got 30 points from Desmond Bane and 22 from Ja Morant, who played through a rolled ankle in the second half. The Grizzlies will host Friday’s elimination game against the Mavericks-Kings winner for the West’s final playoff spot.
Golden State’s supporting cast made key contributions when needed:
- Quinten Post hit 3-of-4 from deep for 11 points
- Gary Payton II provided energy with 12 points off the bench
- Draymond Green dished 10 assists despite foul trouble
The Warriors overcame their 0-3 all-time Play-In record by winning the turnover battle (10 to Memphis’ 19) and converting 28-of-34 free throws. Their reward? A first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets starting Sunday.
