Breaking: Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors finally clinch a spot in the NBA Playoffs, downing the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in a thrilling play-in tournament showdown! Curry, who admitted feeling a "sense of relief," propelled the Warriors with an outstanding 15-point fourth quarter, including three critical three-pointers. Despite blowing a 20-point lead, the Warriors held on, earning their first victory in the play-in tournament since 2021 and setting up a first-round postseason series against the Houston Rockets, starting Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Warriors Secure Playoff Spot, Curry Breathes Easy Ahead of Rockets Matchup
The Golden State Warriors can finally take a deep breath. After a nail-biting 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in tournament, the Warriors are officially headed to the playoffs, their first appearance since the 2022-23 season.
Relief Sweeps through the Warriors’ Locker Room
Stephen Curry, the face of the Warriors, admitted to feeling a “sense of relief” after securing their playoff spot. “Just a sense of relief that we have something to look forward to now,” Curry told reporters following the win, according to ESPN.
A Wild Finish in Memphis
The game was anything but easy. The Warriors had to dig deep to hold off a late charge from the Grizzlies, who erased a 20-point first-half deficit. Memphis took their first lead since midway through the first quarter with just over 8 minutes remaining, but the Warriors responded when they needed it most.
Curry Shines in the Climactic Quarter
Curry took over in the final period, scoring 15 of the team’s 27 points. He played all but one second in the quarter, capping off a dominant performance that saw him score 36 points in the fourth quarter and overtime across his last two games, shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from three-point range.
Rested and Ready for the Rockets
The win not only catapults the Warriors into the playoffs but also grants them four days off before their series against the Houston Rockets begins. The Warriors, who had to maintain playoff mode for much of April, can now look forward to a well-deserved rest before their first-round series.
This victory also snapped an 0-3 skid in the play-in tournament for the Warriors, dating back to 2021. Curry and the Warriors will now face the Rockets in Game 1 at the Toyota Center on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
FAQs
- Who did the Warriors beat to secure their playoff spot?
- The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in tournament.
- When does the Warriors’ playoff series against the Rockets begin?
- The first game is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Did you know?
Curry has now scored 30+ points in five consecutive playoff games, the most since he tallied 10 straight back in 2015-16.
Wondering how the Warriors can maintain this momentum?
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the Warriors’ ability to execute down the stretch. Curry’s clutch performances are a great start, but consistent contributions from the entire roster will be key in the upcoming series.
Call to Action
Now that the Warriors are officially in the playoffs, let’s hear from you, our readers! Who do you think will win the Western Conference? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more of our NBA coverage to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and analysis.
Sources: ESPN