This confrontation between the Golden State Warriors, defending champions, and the Memphis Grizzlies, second in the Western Conference, has kept all its promises. Intensity, a thrilling scenario, stars on the agenda… And it’s not yet April!
Your morning boxscore is served to you ici
What did we expect, this clash between the two best friends of the Western Conference (lol). Two teams who celebrated the spirit of Christmas together on the last Christmas Day (ptdrrr). Two teams who had very nice words for each other in the pre-game hours (BHOUHAHAHA FOLDED IN EIGHT). And the least we can say is that we were not disappointed. This meeting between the Warriors and the Grizzlies had its perfect place as the headliner of this evening of Rivals Week, no offense to Draymond Green. All-Star Game scores aren’t here. The first quarter, won 24-22 by the Dubs, thus set the tone for this meeting which smelled good of the Playoffs.
22-8 RUN FOR BOYS FROM BEALE ST 〽️ pic.twitter.com/SSnqgK1tOu
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 26, 2023
The postseason battles are already the stars who take their responsibilities. Stephen Curry (34 points 4/8 from the Golden Gate Bridge), Ja Morant (29 points, 12 assists) and Klay Thompson (24 points 5/10 from the parking lot) did it. Obviously, you also need a supporting cast. On the Grizzlies side, Desmond Bane (20 points), Brandon Clarke (19 points at 8/10 shooting), Jaren Jackson Jr. (17 points) and Santi Aldama (13 points with a perfect shot) responded, making the collective performing despite the absence of Steven Adams. On the Warriors side, Andrew Wiggins was missing, leaving Jordan Poole (21 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (13 points) to take over.
COUNT IT!
????@NBCSauthentic pic.twitter.com/Qi6pWq0HfP
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 26, 2023
But what would the Playoffs be without their thrilling money time scenarios? Well there too, we were served that night. 14 seconds from the buzzer, without Stephen Curry, excluded for two techniques, nor Jaren Jackson Jr., guilty of 6 fouls, Klay Thompson knocks out the Grizzlies with a 3-point missile. +2 for the Warriors. Eight seconds later, Ja Morant responds by sending Brandon Clarke to the alley-oop. But as we headed for extra time, Jordan Poole took advantage of a guilty placement by Ziaire Williams in defense to slam the game-winner on a throw-in 1 second from time.
JORDAN POOLE CALLED GAME
WARRIORS WIN.#NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/K3DcglqJHr
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023
Thus will end this battle worthy of the month of April (and we do not say that because this match was a joke). The outcome is cruel for the Grizzlies, but the Teddies have shown the defending champion that, yes, there is room to compete in Tennessee. See you in the Playoffs for the rest?