Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 38 points and Stephen Curry added 37, as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 on Tuesday night in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The win locks the Warriors into the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and sets up a first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets,
beginning Sunday in Houston.
Jimmy Butler Shines in Big Game as Golden State Advances
In true “Playoff Jimmy” fashion, Butler delivered on both ends of the floor, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and countless momentum-shifting plays. He shot 12-of-20 from the field and 12-of-18 from the free-throw line in his best performance since joining Golden State at the trade deadline.
When the Grizzlies closed the gap in the third quarter, Butler responded with a crucial steal and dunk that helped the Warriors regain control. He was the engine of Golden State’s offense during a first-quarter run that included four straight scoring possessions, showcasing his elite two-way impact despite nursing a tender left quad.
Curry Closes Out Win as Grizzlies Fall Short Late
While Butler set the tone,
Stephen Curry delivered in crunch time, hitting two clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes and sinking a pair of free throws with 5.4 seconds remaining to seal the game. Curry also recorded eight rebounds and four assists, despite being tightly guarded all night.
The Grizzlies had a final chance to tie but failed to inbound the ball in time, resulting in a five-second violation that ended their hopes of a comeback.
Desmond Bane, Ja Morant Lead Memphis in Losing Effort
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, while Ja Morant contributed 22 points, including a gutsy three-point play after rolling his ankle in the third quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 18, and rookie Zach Edey dominated the boards with 17 rebounds and 14 points, including clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Despite the loss, Memphis still has a shot at the playoffs. The Grizzlies will host the winner of Wednesday’s Play-In game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings to determine the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
What’s Next for the Warriors and Grizzlies?
- Golden State Warriors:
Advance to face the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, starting Sunday.
- Memphis Grizzlies:
Will play a win-or-go-home game Friday night against either the Mavericks or Kings for the final playoff spot.
