Memphis Grizzlies Suffer a 133-112 Blowout Loss To Golden State Warriors

Ana Kieu
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (24) drives to the basket

The Memphis Grizzlies hosted the Golden State Warriors at the FedExForum on Wednesday, but the Warriors blew out the Grizzlies 133-112. Golden State improved to 31-28, while Memphis fell to 21-36 and continued a three-game losing skid.

In Case You Missed It

The Memphis Grizzlies suffered a 123-114 loss to the Sacramento Kings at the FedExForum on Monday. Javon Small led the Grizzlies with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. Russell Westbrook led the Kings with 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The Golden State Warriors fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 113-109 at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday. De’Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Williamson subsequently earned Player of the Game honors.

Dejounte Murray made his first bucket of the game and season in his season debut with the Pelicans. Murray recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon after a 389-day absence. Murray’s final stat line consisted of 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Herb Jones had 5 steals in the first half. It was the third time in his NBA career that he had accounted for four 5+ steals in a half.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Starters

The Memphis Grizzlies’ starting lineup featured Small, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson II, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.

Memphis ruled out Brandon Clarke (Grade 2 right calf strain), Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction), Ja Morant (UCL sprain), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right pinky finger surgery), Cedric Coward (knee), and Santi Aldama (right knee injury management). Memphis listed Kyle Anderson (knee) as day-to-day.

The Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup featured Bradin Podziemski, Will Richard, Gui Santos, Moses Moody, and Al Horford.

Golden State ruled out Jimmy Butler III (torn right ACL surgery), LJ Cryer (hamstring), Seth Curry (sciatica), Stephen Curry (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Melton (knee), and Draymond Green (back).

Grizzlies vs. Warriors Recap

Memphis’ rivalry with Golden State remains a work in progress and is often one-sided, but its star power continues to shine. The chirping between the two teams contributes to one of the NBA’s chippiest rivalries. The first 5,000 fans received a City Edition poster.

Podziemski came in hot. Podziemski recorded 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in back-to-back games. He joined Kevin Durant, David Lee, and Andris Biedrins as the only Warriors to have such a streak in the last 20 years.

Horford made the first bucket of the game to help Golden State open the first quarter. Gary Payton II shone with the steal and pass. Memphis picked up the pace, tying the game by the nine-minute mark. Memphis’ defense dazzled the home crowd. Jackson II hit a buzzer-beater, but Golden State took a 34-31 lead to end the first.

Golden State dominated in the second quarter. Podziemski made an early bucket on his 23rd birthday. Horford blocked a corner three-point attempt. Gary II impressed with a steal and slam. Golden State took a 74-53 lead into halftime.

Memphis presented Dr. Penny Smith Mickey, an alumnus of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, with the HBCU Empowerment Award at the halftime break.

Memphis picked up the pace to stay alive in the third quarter, just like how Golden State fought in Tuesday’s win at the New Orleans Pelicans. Memphis’ offense discovered some consistency, but Golden State’s offense also rebounded. Golden State took a 96-76 lead through three quarters.

Both teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter. Jackson, Jerome, Taylor Hendricks, and Small shone as Memphis’ top scorers. Horford reached 15,000 career points. Golden State built a 30-point lead, a statistic that overshadowed Memphis’ shooting. Golden State won 133-112 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Memphis Grizzlies embark on a three-game road trip starting with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Pacific. Memphis could potentially beat Dallas by focusing on a strong offense, maintaining a high tempo, and carefully managing injuries.

The Golden State Warriors return home to open a two-game homestand starting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific. Golden State could potentially beat Los Angeles by creating offensive chaos, maintaining ball movement, and displaying composure.

An accomplished journalist, Ana Kieu has been working as a sportswriter for a decade. Ana's sportswriting experience includes both national and local media outlets, such as USA Today, SB Nation, Inside Hockey, SFBay.ca, and Sports Radio Service.