Even without Steph Curry, the Warriors proved against the Grizzlies why they’re one of the toughest teams to beat. Golden State outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 121-113 in a game that showcased everything you love about basketball: clutch plays, elite shooting, and a next-man-up mentality.Let’s break it all down.
Andrew Wiggins: Silent Assassin
With Curry resting, Andrew Wiggins quietly took the reins, dropping 24 points on an efficient night. Wiggins didn’t force anything—he let the game come to him, sinking mid-range jumpers and attacking the rim when the opportunity arose. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what the Warriors needed.
He also held his own defensively, contesting shots and making sure Memphis couldn’t find an easy rhythm. Wiggins might not always get the headlines, but games like this remind you why he’s so valuable to this team.
Lindy Waters III: The Closer
Lindy Waters III isn’t a household name yet, but if he keeps showing up like he did against Memphis, that could change fast. Waters poured in 16 points, including 8 in the final stretch to seal the win. Every time Memphis threatened to cut into the lead, Waters had an answer. He hit big threes, stayed cool under pressure, and basically screamed, “I got this.”
Role players stepping up in crunch time? That’s Warriors basketball.
Three-Point Clinic
Let’s talk about the Warriors’ three-point shooting—23 of 43 from deep. That’s a ridiculous 53.5% clip. Six different players hit at least three triples, with Buddy Hield and Dennis Schroder making their presence felt. The ball movement was classic Warriors—constant motion, unselfish passes, and finding the open man.
The Grizzlies had no answers. Golden State outscored Memphis 69-27 from beyond the arc. That’s not just a stat; that’s the story of the game.
Trayce Jackson-Davis: Doing It All
Trayce Jackson-Davis might not be a star yet, but this dude is everywhere. He finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Need someone to crash the boards? He’s there. Need a guy to make the extra pass? Done. Need a key defensive stop? Trayce has you.
Jackson-Davis isn’t flashy, but he’s the glue guy every winning team needs. Keep an eye on him—his impact goes way beyond the box score.
Grizzlies’ Effort Without Ja
To be fair to Memphis, they put up a fight. Jaren Jackson Jr. dropped 23 points and grabbed 9 boards, while Desmond Bane added 22 points and 10 assists. But without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies just couldn’t keep up with Golden State’s firepower.
Memphis’ perimeter defense was a glaring issue. They left shooters open far too often, and the Warriors made them pay. If the Grizzlies want to contend, especially without Ja, they’ll need to tighten things up defensively.
First-Ever Spencer Brothers Showdown
On a lighter note, this game featured the first NBA matchup between brothers Cam and Pat Spencer. Cam, a rookie for the Grizzlies, chipped in 7 points in 13 minutes. Pat, representing the Warriors, played 12 minutes and scored 2 points. It wasn’t a stat-padding night for either, but seeing siblings share the court at the NBA level? That’s the dream.
Kuminga’s Tough Luck
Jonathan Kuminga started strong, scoring 13 points before rolling his ankle. The injury was a blow, but the Warriors didn’t let it derail them. That resilience speaks volumes about the team’s mentality—they know how to adjust and keep moving forward.
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This wasn’t just another win for the Warriors. It was a statement about depth, teamwork, and shooting excellence. When your role players are stepping up like this, you know you’ve got something special. For Memphis, it’s a reminder that they need to tighten up defensively and find ways to compensate for Ja’s absence.
In the end, this game was everything a basketball fan could hope for—high stakes, great performances, and a reminder that the Warriors’ culture of excellence runs deep. Bring on the next one!
