The Memphis Grizzlies gave the crowd a show on Fan Appreciation night by going toe-to-toe with the Golden State Warriors for 48 minutes, but falling just shy 100-99 at FedExForum on Saturday evening.
Memphis falls to 42-38 on the season, while the Warriors move within a game of tying the 95-96 Bulls’ record of 72 wins.
The Grizzlies had the ball down one with eight ticks remaining on the clock, but neither of Lance Stephenson’s two attempts fell, and the Warriors were able to run out the clock.
The deciding bucket came with exactly one minute to play as Draymond Green got a tip-in on the offensive end. It was originally ruled basket interference, but after a short review the call was overturned and the basket was counted.
Matt Barnes led all players in points and rebounds as he recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 24 and 15.
Vince Carter picked up his first start of the season and responded by stuffing the stat sheet with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Stephenson and Zach Randolph also finished in double figures with 13 and 12 points respectively.
Draymond Green recorded his 33rd double-double of the season with 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Warriors in both categories.
Even without Tony Allen, who sat with a sore left hamstring, the Grizz defense hounded Stephen Curry all evening. He was limited to 17 points on 7-of-22 shooting (31.8 percent) and 3-of-14 on three-pointers (21.4 percent). Curry also dished out eight assists.
Klay Thompson (20 points) and Harrison Barnes (14 points) rounded out the double-figure scoring for Golden State.
The game was about as even as possible in the first half, with the Warriors winning the first quarter 31-28, and then the two teams tying at 22 in the second to give the Warriors a 53-30 advantage at the break.
Memphis came out on fire in the third, getting the crowd into it as the Grizzlies took a nine-point lead late in the period. It would be 78-70 as the teams entered the final frame.
The Grizz got the lead to a game-high 10 points twice in the fourth period before the Warriors started to chip away. The two teams traded the lead a couple of times before Draymond Green’s winning bucket. By Jared Emerson - Grizzlies.com
Next Game
Memphis will return to action on Tuesday with a game against the Los Angeles Clippers before finishing the regular season on the road against the Warriors. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. and fans can catch the action of FOX Sports Southeast or 92.9 FM ESPN.
Key Stat of the Night
- The Warriors continued their pursuit of the NBA’s all-time single season wins record, moving within one victory of tying the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10)… Golden State will need to defeat the San Antonio Spurs on the road and Memphis Grizzlies at home to set a new NBA record.
Key Run of the Night
- With 5:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies led the Warriors 93-84 before Golden State went on 7-0 run to cut its deficit to one point (93-92) with 3:39 left in the final period… Memphis was able to push its lead back to 97-92 with 2:24 to go in the game, but Golden State finished the game on an 8-2 run to eke out the victory.
More Game Shots
Social Highlights
Grizz Fan pic of the Night
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Matt Barnes recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 24 points and a season-high 15 rebounds… It was his fifth 20-point effort and eighth double-digit rebound game of the season.
- Vince Carter tallied 15 points, pulled down seven rebounds and passed out a team-high tying four assists.
- Zach Randolph notched 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, registering his 55th game with 10-plus points.
- The Grizzlies defense limited Stephen Curry to only 17 points on 7-of-22 shooting (.318) and 3-of-14 from beyond the arc (.214)… Curry hauled in nine rebounds and dished out a game-high eight assists.
- Draymond Green finished the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, recording his 33rd double-double and 11th 20-10 game of the season.