For three quarters, the Warriors were almost flawless. But then the wheels fell off and a game well in-hand turned into a disappointing 128-119 overtime loss to the visiting Grizzlies on Friday night.
The loss, less than a month after a blowout defeat in Memphis, makes the Grizzlies the first team to beat the Warriors twice in the same season since the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014-15 season.
While the Dubs shot 5-for-22 in the fourth quarter and overtime with seven turnovers, Memphis was rolling. Their defense fueled their offense, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph led the way for the Grizzlies, each scoring 27 points while center Marc Gasol overcame a quiet start to the game and finished with 23 points.
The defeat spoiled what was a great Warriors effort for the first three quarters of the game. Playing against a traditionally tough Memphis defense, the Warriors took it to the Grizzlies with a determined effort over the first three quarters and led by as many as 24 points before allowing Memphis back into the game with a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter.
Before Memphis made their run, the Dubs were in complete control. They shot 59 percent from the field over the first three quarters and were led by Stephen Curry, who had 17 points in both the first and third quarters in a 40-point night, his second of the season.
Kevin Durant had 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Klay Thompson added 17 points after not participating in the team’s shootaround earlier in the day due to illness. While each player had their moments in this game, including buzzer-beaters in the first and second quarters, missed opportunities down the stretch and seven missed free throws in the fourth quarter ultimately doomed the Warriors.
With the defeat, the Dubs close out their longest homestand of the season with a 4-1 record, and they’ll take a quick trip to Sacramento on Sunday before coming back home to open a four-game homestand on Tuesday against the Heat.
