by Jerry Feitelberg

Oakland- The Golden State Warriors won their eighth game in a row and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-101 Monday night at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies, who lost a tough game Sunday night to Phoenix, played an excellent first half. They did not let the Warriors get into any kind of rhythm in the first twenty-four minutes of play. The Grizzlies played well on defense and kept Steph Curry well in check. Grizzlies’ coach J.B.Bickerstaff seemed to have an answer for everything the Warriors tried to do. The Warriors fell behind early in the first period and were not able to get the lead. The first period ended with Memphis in the lead 31-29.

It was more of the same in the second period. Klay Thompson scored the first basket in the quarter to tie the game at 31. Memphis responded and regained the advantage. The Warriors tied the game at 45, but Memphis went ahead by six 53-47. Steph then made a four-point play. The Warriors tied the game again at 55, but Memphis refused to wilt and led 58-55. Klay Thompson connected on a three-pointer, and the first half ended with the score even at 58. The story of the first half was the Memphis bench. Dillon Brooks, Wayne Seldin, Shelvin Mack, and Marshon Brooks outscored the Warriors bench 30-10. Memphis’ starters Marc Gasol had 6, and Michael Conley added 7. The Warriors were led by Klay Thompson with 18, Kevin Durant 16, and Steph Curry 10.

Everything changed in the third quarter. As the Warriors have done so many times in the past, the offense came to life as they outscored the Grizzlies 34-15. The Warriors defensive leader, Draymond Green, did not play as he suffered a foot injury and was sent to the locker room. Damian Jones picked up his fifth personal foul early in the quarter, and he sat out the rest of the game. Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, inserted Kevon Looney, Jonas Jerebko, Jordan Bell, and Alfonzo McKinnie to stop the Memphis offense and di they ever do the job. Not only did they excel on defense, but they also helped the Warriors go on a 27-8 run to finish the scoring in the period. Kevon Looney made four key baskets. Alfonzo McKinnie hit a key three-pointer, and Klay and Steph also played well. The Warriors led 92-73 after three-quarters of action.

Kerr had Klay Thompson on the floor with Quinn Cook, Jereko, Bell, and Looney. Cook made four 3-point shots, and the Warriors coasted to their tenth win of the year.

Game Notes and Stats. Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 27 points. Kevin Durant recorded 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Steph finished with 19. McKinnie had 14, Cook,13, Looney 9, and Jerebko 7.

Jaren Jackson, Jr had 15, Marc Gasol 8, Garrett Temple 13, and Michael Conley 9. Dillon Brooks had 18 coming off the bench.

The Warriors improve to 10-1 and Memphis falls to 5-4.

Shaun Livingston did not play as he is recovering from a foot injury. Andre Iguodala had the night off. Draymond Green did not play in the second half and was diagnosed with a contusion on his foot.

The Warriors meet the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night. The Bucks are off to a great start and have the same record as the Warriors 10-1 The game will be at Oracle Arena and will start at 7:30pm.