The Golden State Warriors leaned on their championship DNA and a well timed dose of “Playoff Jimmy” to punch their ticket again to the NBA playoffs.
Jimmy Butler scored 38 factors and Stephen Curry added 37 because the Warriors outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-116, on Tuesday evening at Chase Middle within the Western Convention’s 7–8 Play-In Event matchup. Golden State clinched the No. 7 seed and can face the Houston Rockets within the first spherical of the NBA Playoffs starting Sunday.
“It took 83 video games, however we’re proper the place we wish to be,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “We’ve obtained an opportunity.”
Curry closes, Butler shines
Golden State constructed a 20-point first-half lead however wanted Curry’s late-game brilliance to keep away from a collapse. He scored the Warriors’ ultimate 10 factors, together with 4 clutch free throws within the ultimate 5.4 seconds, to assist seal the win.
“Only a sense of reduction that we now have one thing to stay up for now,” Curry mentioned.
He shot 9-of-22 from the sphere and 6-of-13 from past the arc whereas including eight rebounds and 4 assists. Butler picked up the scoring load early with 21 first-half factors, providing the fearless aggression he’s turn out to be identified for in huge moments.
“I do know I wish to win a championship, so he wants — what, this could be No. 5?” Butler mentioned postgame, nodding towards Curry.
Gary Payton II added 12 factors off the bench and Quinten Put up contributed 11. Draymond Inexperienced dished out 10 assists and performed pivotal protection earlier than fouling out within the ultimate minute.
Grizzlies Rally, however Morant’s Return Not Sufficient
Memphis refused to go quietly. Desmond Bane scored 30 factors and hit two key 3-pointers within the ultimate body to maintain the Grizzlies inside placing distance. Ja Morant added 22 factors, returning to the sport early within the fourth quarter after rolling his proper ankle late within the third.
Morant was injured after touchdown on Buddy Hield’s foot following a floater. He exited briefly however checked again in and made an instantaneous impression with a jumper on his first possession.
“I am taking part in,” Morant mentioned after the sport. “That is mainly the reply I’m giving. It ain’t nothing totally different.”
Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Morant’s toughness and the vitality it gave the workforce.
“Seeing him in that state of affairs, to me, that technology that also remembers Isiah Thomas hopping round on one ankle — it wasn’t fairly that,” Iisalo mentioned. “Hopefully it’s not as extreme. I’ve no data on that. It was inspiring, and I believe it additionally lifted the fellows as much as see that your chief is placing all of it on the road.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18 factors, whereas rookie Zach Edey tallied 14 factors and 17 rebounds. Santi Aldama added 14 factors and eight boards off the bench.
Memphis trailed 94-91 getting into the fourth quarter after a 19-8 run to shut the third. It briefly took the lead on a Bane triple earlier than the sport devolved right into a tense back-and-forth. Curry’s step-back 3-pointer with 51 seconds left prolonged the Warriors’ result in six, and Memphis may by no means totally recuperate.
The Grizzlies have been suffering from 20 turnovers, which Golden State transformed into 27 factors.
What’s Subsequent
Golden State will face the second-seeded Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven collection beginning Sunday in Houston. The matchup pits two groups with vastly totally different timelines: one constructed on championship pedigree and one other led by a younger core trying to attain the subsequent stage.
“We all know what it takes to win at a excessive stage,” Inexperienced mentioned. “That’s the main focus. The purpose is to get to the playoffs and win. So it’s good to be right here.”
The Grizzlies return residence to host the winner of Wednesday’s 9–10 matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks. That win-or-go-home recreation will happen Friday evening at FedExForum. The winner will earn the West’s ultimate playoff spot to face the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
