In an exciting encounter, with 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock, Stephen Curry urged the Chase Center crowd to stand up, marking the culminating moment for the Golden State Warriors. The team’s superstar finally secured their passage out of the play-in tournament, unleashing the celebration.
Curry led the offense with 37 points, while Jimmy Butler delivered his best performance with 38 points, leading the Warriors to victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 121-116.
“We feel a great relief, now we have something to fight for,” Curry stated after the game.
Stephen Curry
This victory represented the first in four play-in games for Curry and the Warriors, securing the seventh seed and a first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, who were second in the standings.
“We desperately needed to win this game to have four days off. Our players have been playing high-intensity games for three weeks,” commented Golden State coach Steve Kerr.
Steve Kerr
The Warriors will face a familiar rival, as this will be the fifth playoff series between the two teams. Golden State has won the previous four series, including two Western Conference Finals in 2015 and 2018.
“We’ve been in a playoff series in Houston for a decade. It’s incredible to think about,” Curry added.
Stephen Curry
During the regular season, the Warriors had a 3-2 record against the Rockets, including a 91-90 loss in the NBA Cup on December 11. Houston’s other victory was at the Chase Center on April 6.
Butler has shown exceptional performance, scoring a combined total of 68 points in the two high-demand games against the LA Clippers and the Grizzlies.
Even though Memphis took the lead, Curry took control in the final minutes, scoring 15 points in the last 7:02, including two crucial three-pointers.
Before this victory, the Warriors had a 0-3 record in play-in games, including a loss last season against Sacramento.
“This reminds us that nothing is guaranteed. No matter how much talent you have,” Curry said.
Stephen Curry
With the arrival of Butler, who has revitalized Curry, Green, and Kerr, the Warriors are ready for the playoffs, starting Sunday in Houston.
“I feel like I can give any team, for sure this one, a chance to win. And they believe it. I believe it,” Butler said.
Jimmy Butler
