Game Date: November 15, 2024
Competition: NBA Cup In-Season Tournament
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Final Score: Golden State Warriors 122 – Memphis Grizzlies 116
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling opening round of the NBA Cup In-Season Tournament. The game featured high-scoring performances, dramatic moments, and a strong battle between two of the Western Conference’s best teams. Let’s break down the full game highlights.
1st Quarter Highlights:
- Stephen Curry came out hot, scoring early with two three-pointers that put the Warriors ahead.
- Ja Morant answered back for the Grizzlies, attacking the rim with explosive drives and getting to the free-throw line.
- Golden State played fast and utilized its perimeter shooting, while Memphis tried to push the tempo through Morant’s playmaking.
- Key Play: Curry hit a deep 3-pointer with under 2 minutes remaining to give the Warriors a 32-28 lead.
Score after 1st Quarter:
Warriors 32 – Grizzlies 28
2nd Quarter Highlights:
- Klay Thompson caught fire early, knocking down several three-pointers, helping Golden State extend its lead.
- Memphis struggled defensively as Thompson and Curry created open looks. However, Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up, contributing 9 points and 5 rebounds in the quarter.
- Desmond Bane also had a solid second quarter, scoring 8 points and adding a couple of assists.
- Key Play: Despite a few turnovers, Memphis cut the lead down to 5 points toward the end of the quarter with a strong finish from Morant.
Score at Halftime:
Warriors 65 – Grizzlies 58
3rd Quarter Highlights:
- The Grizzlies came out energized in the third quarter, with Ja Morant driving hard to the basket and dishing out assists.
- Memphis’ defense tightened, forcing the Warriors into contested shots, and Jaren Jackson Jr. was a major factor on both ends, blocking shots and grabbing crucial rebounds.
- Curry continued to lead Golden State with timely shots, but Morant’s energy kept the game close.
- Key Play: Bane hit a three-pointer with 2 minutes left, cutting the Warriors’ lead to 92-88. The Grizzlies were finding a rhythm.
Score after 3rd Quarter:
Warriors 92 – Grizzlies 88
4th Quarter Highlights:
- The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading runs. Morant hit a spectacular floater and a clutch three-pointer to keep Memphis in the game.
- Golden State’s defense proved crucial down the stretch, with Draymond Green playing exceptional defense on Morant and helping the Warriors to close out the game.
- With under 1 minute left and the score tight, Curry hit a dagger three-pointer from beyond the arc, extending Golden State’s lead to 6 points.
- Key Play: A critical turnover by Morant with less than 30 seconds left sealed the game for Golden State as Poole and Green sealed the win with free throws.
Final Score:
Golden State Warriors 122 – Memphis Grizzlies 116
Top Performers:
Golden State Warriors:
- Stephen Curry: 38 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
Curry was the catalyst for Golden State, hitting multiple three-pointers, including a clutch one late in the game. His leadership and shooting were pivotal in securing the win. - Klay Thompson: 25 points, 4 rebounds
Thompson’s shooting in the second quarter helped to build Golden State’s lead. He finished with 5 three-pointers on the night. - Draymond Green: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists
Green contributed in all areas, especially defensively and as a playmaker. His intensity on defense and his decision-making on offense helped Golden State down the stretch. - Jordan Poole: 18 points, 3 assists
Poole’s bench scoring was important, especially when Golden State needed a lift in the second half.
Memphis Grizzlies:
- Ja Morant: 35 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds
Morant was electric, keeping the Grizzlies in the game with his scoring and playmaking. He had several explosive drives to the basket and hit key shots, but turnovers hurt Memphis late. - Jaren Jackson Jr.: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
Jackson was dominant on both ends, especially in the second half, as he contested shots and hit timely baskets. - Desmond Bane: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Bane provided consistent shooting and scored key three-pointers to help Memphis stay competitive. - Derrick Rose: 12 points, 4 assists
Rose brought experience and energy off the bench, helping to stabilize the Grizzlies’ offense in the second quarter.
Key Takeaways:
- Golden State’s Three-Point Shooting: The Warriors’ ability to hit shots from beyond the arc, especially with Curry and Thompson, was the difference in the game.
- Memphis’ Resilience: Despite Morant’s incredible performance, the Grizzlies struggled with turnovers and missed defensive assignments late in the game.
- Late-Game Execution: The Warriors’ veteran experience showed in the final minutes, with Curry hitting a clutch three-pointer and Green providing the defensive stops necessary to seal the win.
Final Thoughts:
This was a high-intensity game with both teams bringing their best. While Golden State came away with the win, Memphis showed resilience, especially with Ja Morant’s dominant performance. Both teams will look to build on this as the NBA Cup In-Season Tournament progresses.
Stay tuned for more action in the NBA Cup as the Warriors move forward, while the Grizzlies will look to bounce back in their next game.