Despite the remarkable entry of Jonathan Kuminga, author of 11 points, the Warriors are struggling against the defense of Memphis. They end the first quarter with less than 40% success, lose 4 balls, and the 5/7 from afar from Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones give the Grizzlies a ten-point lead (33- 23).
Two award-winning shots from Stephen Curry and Moses Moody keep the Warriors in ambush but their defense continues to chain errors (41-35). The Warriors repeatedly lose Luke Kennard and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Memphis scores five straight shots to push their lead to +15 (61-46). Golden State manages to limit the breakage thanks to 11 points on second chances, but returns to the locker room at -12 (71-59).
The Golden State defense served the screw to start the third quarter and the Curry – Kuminga duo took the opportunity to launch a 10-3 which brought the Warriors to -4 (80-76). Two offensive rebounds from Xavier Tillman and a block from Jaren Jackson Jr turn into two 3-pointers from Brooks and Bane that tip the momentum of the game, but the entry of Jordan Poole changes the game. He scored 12 points in a row, made 9 of 9 on free throws and brought Golden State down to -4 (104-100)!
While the Warriors have the opportunity to equalize or pass, two new award-winning shots from Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane launch a 21-3 which puts Golden State KO once and for all (129-109). It’s the 11th straight away loss for Steve Kerr’s men…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Memphis Long Distance Festival in the first half. The Grizzlies are 25th in 3-point percentage this season, but Golden State’s defense has some positive attributes for its opponents. Like the Hawks the day before, the Grizzlies took advantage of Golden State’s air holes to get open shot after open. Luke Kennard, a specialist in the field, has been lost several times by Golden State. He finished the half 4/5 from afar. Memphis returned to the locker room at 12/19 (63%)!
– Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga, lone circle aggressors for Golden State. At -14 in the third quarter and with the “Splash Brothers” unaddressed, it was the entry of Jordan Poole that changed the game for the Warriors. Instead of just shooting from afar, he relentlessly attacked Luke Kennard. He scored 17 points in the third quarter, including a 9/9 on free throws. Jonathan Kuminga did the same, going over the line six times. Both players allowed the Warriors to attempt 19 free throws in the period, one attempt less than their average per game (20.1)!
– Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane have the answer. Memphis led the whole game but each time the Warriors were dangerous, it was the pair Brooks – Bane who pushed them back. Their two winning shots in a row in the middle of the third quarter stopped the momentum of the Warriors, who returned to -4. They responded similarly to 108-106 in the final quarter. Their two 3-pointers kicked off a game-killing 21-3.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Jaren Jackson Jr.. Aggressive throughout the game, he dominated Kevon Looney and Draymond Green, finishing with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
✅ Dillon Brooks – Desmond Bane. Both players scored 18 and 25 points, 7/9 from 3-pointers, while limiting the Curry-Thompson pair to 11/32 on shots.
✅ Tyus Jones. Holder in the absence of Ja Morant, the leader was perfect. He delivered 14 assists for no lost ball. He also added 13 points.
✅ Jordan Poole – Jonathan Kuminga. They will have been by far the best Warriors this night. Poole scored 17 of his 21 points in the third quarter, while Kuminga finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds.
⛔ Stephen CurryKlay Thompson. The “Splash Brothers” never quite found their rhythm in their second game in two days, especially against the aggressive defense of the Grizzlies. Stephen Curry finished with 16 points, 5/15 on shots, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Klay Thompson scored 14 points at 6/17, while being transparent on defense.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (36-36) : traveling to Houston on Monday.
Memphis (43-26) : reception of Dallas on Monday.
