Curry and Butler Ignite Warriors Past Grizzlies in Play-In Thriller
The Golden State Warriors clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 121–116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III combined for 75 points, with Butler scoring 38 and Curry adding 37, including six 3-pointers and a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. The duo accounted for over 60 percent of Golden State’s total offense, setting the tone from the opening tip. The win marked the Warriors' first victory in four Play-In appearances and sets up a first-round matchup against the second-seeded Houston Rockets.
Butler's Arrival Sparks Warriors Offense
In his first postseason game with Golden State, Jimmy Butler III delivered a standout performance, tallying 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The 35-year-old’s aggressive play complemented Curry's perimeter shooting, providing the Warriors with a dynamic offensive duo. Butler's ability to draw defensive attention opened up opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his impact beyond the stat sheet. His leadership and playoff experience were evident as he guided the team through critical stretches of the game.
Curry's Clutch Performance Seals Victory
Stephen Curry demonstrated his trademark clutch shooting, scoring 13 of his 37 points in the final quarter. Despite a slow start, he connected on six 3-pointers and was flawless from the free-throw line. Curry's late-game heroics included a pivotal three-pointer assisted by Draymond Green and four consecutive free throws in the closing moments. His performance underscored his role as the team's offensive catalyst and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Grizzlies Late Rally Falls Short
The Grizzlies, trailing by as much as 20 points, mounted a spirited comeback led by Desmond Bane's 30 points and Ja Morant's 22 points, despite Morant playing through an ankle injury. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed with 18 points, and rookie Zach Edey added 14 points and 17 rebounds. However, a critical five-second inbound violation in the final seconds thwarted their chance to tie the game. Memphis will now face the winner of the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks for the eighth seed.
Warriors’ Bench Production Remains a Concern
While the Warriors' stars shone brightly for the second game in a row, the team's bench struggled to make a significant impact. Only Gary Payton II and Quinten Post scored in double figures among the reserves. The lack of consistent bench production has been a recurring issue and could pose challenges in the upcoming series against the Houston Rockets. Golden State will need more contributions from its supporting cast to advance further in the playoffs.
Warriors Face Formidable Rockets in First Round
Golden State now prepares to face the second-seeded Houston Rockets, who finished the regular season with a 52–30 record and clinched their first Southwest Division Title since 2020. The Rockets are led by dynamic guard Jalen Green, who averaged 30.2 points per game during an 11-game win streak, and center Alperen Şengün, who contributed 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Houston's depth includes promising talents like Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and rookie Reed Sheppard, known for his exceptional three-point shooting. The Warriors will need to leverage their playoff experience and address bench production concerns to overcome the Rockets' youthful energy and secure a series victory.
