Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) gets the throw down on the Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (right) in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Mar 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (36-32) welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies (23-47) to the Chase Center Wednesday night. Despite the absence of two crucial players, the Grizzlies’ superstar Ja Morant, who averages 25 points per game, and Marcus Smart, the team showed resilience but it wasn’t enough as the Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 137-116.

The Grizzlies still had players who could produce, counting on Gregory Jackson, Jaren Jackson, Jr., and Desmond Bane as the offensive weapons. The Warriors, still reeling from losing to the New York Knicks on Monday night, were eager to bounce back.

The Grizzlies, however, were to be considered. The teams engaged in a fast-paced first quarter, with the Grizzlies making seven three-point shots. Guard Stephen Curry of the Warriors also contributed with two threes, leading the Warriors 24-19. Curry achieved his 300th 3 pointer in a season for the fifth time in his career. The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors 12-8 in the closing minutes of the quarter to lead the Warriors 33-32.

In the second quarter, the game took an intense turn. Moses Moody’s three-pointer gave the Warriors a slight edge, but a scuffle between Draymond Green and Bane added a dramatic twist. Both players received technical fouls.

Jonathan Kuminga’s steal and dunk further fueled the Warriors’ momentum, leading to a 10-0 run and a halftime score of 68-58 in favor of the Warriors. Kuminga’s impressive performance, with 18 points, was a highlight of the quarter.

Kuminga led the Warriors with 18 points. The Grizzlies, led by Santi Aldama’s 21 points, Aldama made six threes. Memphis fought back with their three-point shooting, making 12 threes in 30 attempts.

The Warriors showcased their dominance at the start of the third quarter. Curry ignited the run with a three-pointer, marking his 300th three-point shot of the season, a testament to his exceptional career.

The Warriors maintained their momentum, completing a 31-3 run, including the last ten points scored in the first half, to lead 89-61. The Grizzlies’ offense, however, started to find its rhythm and made baskets. The Warriors won the quarter 40-32 and led by 18, 108-90.

Curry did not play in the fourth quarter. The Warrior’s second unit, led by Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, kept the pressure on the Grizzlies’ defense. The Warriors offense put 29 points on the board to record their highest point total in a game this year.

Game Notes—With the win, The Warriors are 36-32. They have 14 games left to play. The Warriors had a season-high 43 assists. Green (10 points and 12 rebounds), Chris Paul( 12 points and 14 assists), and Andrew Wiggins( 22 points, 10 rebounds) each had a double-double.

The Warriors’ offensive prowess was on full display, with seven players scoring in double figures. Kuminga led the team with 26 points, Thompson with 23, and Wiggins with 22. Despite not playing in the fourth quarter, Curry contributed 14 points. Jackson-Davis also made a significant impact with 13 points. Thompson’s five three-pointers were a testament to his shooting skills.

The Grizzlies Aldama and Gregory Jackson had career-highs in scoring. Alama torched the Warriors for 29 points. Aldama made seven threes. He had six in the first half and made just one in the second. Jackson also made seven threes and put 35 points on the board for Memphis.

Jaren Jackson posted 28 points. Jackson has been one tough customer for the Warriors to handle. Wednesday night was no exception. The only other Memphis player in double figures was Jake LaRavia with 12. The Grizzlies attempted 49 three-point shots. They made 18. The Warriors made 19 in 29 tries. 

The Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr had to be pleased with his teams’ performance Wednesday night. The Warriors must play their best basketball of the season. The way things stand now, the Warriors are in 10th place in the Western Conference. They would have to win two play-in games to make the playoffs and then face a team with a high seeding. 

The Warriors play the Indiana Pacers at the Chase Center on Friday night. The game will start at 7 pm.