Warriors Beat Grizzlies in Play-In Thriller

The Golden State Warriors are advancing to the NBA Playoffs after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in an exciting play-in matchup.

A 21-point first half from Jimmy Butler highlighted a strong start for the Warriors. At one point, they led by 20 points in the second quarter. By halftime, Golden State had hit 10 threes and looked to be in prime position to secure the win.

However, the Grizzlies didn’t go away.

Thanks to a big third quarter from Desmond Bane (11 points), Memphis cut the lead to three entering the final frame. The Grizzlies outrebounded the Warriors 15-6 in the third. A pivotal moment of the game occurred when Memphis guard Ja Morant rolled his ankle and had to exit the game. Morant returned with an obvious limp after a short absence.

In what ended up being one of the most entertaining quarters of the NBA season, the Grizzlies and Warriors traded leads throughout the fourth. With the game in the balance, Stephen Curry delivered for the Warriors. Curry nailed a pair of clutch triples late to put Golden State ahead.

Down three points with five seconds remaining, the Grizzlies had a chance to tie the game and send into overtime. Memphis forward Santi Aldama was unable to inbound the ball and got whistled for a five-second violation. Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo has struggled with drawing up inbound plays during his short tenure, and it stung Memphis in this one.

The Warriors squandered a big lead, but survived and will go on to play the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in the first round.

Golden State won the season series 3-2, with Curry missing two of the wins. They’ve split 1-1 since the Warriors acquired Butler. In their last meeting, Houston’s stout defense held Curry to just 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting.

For the Grizzlies, they’ll get one more chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs. They’ll take on the winner of the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks matchup which takes place on Wednesday. Morant has until Friday to rest his ankle and prepare for Memphis’ potential final stand.