GS WARRIORS TAKE GAME 1 IN MEMPHIS

MEMPHIS » If the Warriors were going to win Sunday, they were going to have to do it without their defensive anchor, Draymond Green.

It’s a tough task for Golden State against any team, but especially when it’s going toe-totoe with the speedy and fearless young Grizzlies.

Still, Golden State, fueled by Green’s late second quarter ejection, found a way to get the job done. It was a hard-fought team effort that included an outstanding 31-point performance off the bench from Jordan Poole, clutch shooting from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and strong defense from Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney.

All those ingredients were a recipe for success for the Warriors, who took Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals by narrowly beating the Grizzlies 117-116 in front of an electric

crowd.

Thompson hit a 3-pointer with 37 seconds remaining to put the Warriors up by one. The Warriors got a critical stop on the other end when Curry blocked a driving Ja Morant and Poole recovered the ball.

Thompson had the chance to pad the Warriors’ one-point advantage with six seconds left but uncharacteristically missed two free throws at the foul line.

With the clock winding down, Morant tried to make a lightningquick driving layup while being defended by both Thompson and Payton, but the ball rolled off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

“It wasn’t pretty at times, but in the playoffs all that matters is the final box score and we handled business,” said Thompson, who scored 15 points. “But we’re far from satisfied.”

Green was ejected late in the second quarter when he was slapped with a flagrant 2 foul after it appeared he pulled on the collar of Brandon Clarke as he

went for a basket, dragging the Grizzlies forward to the ground.

Green emphatically told coach Steve Kerr and officials that his hand got caught in the collar of Clarke’s jersey. Chants of “throw him out” erupted in FedEx Forum as officials reviewed the play,

which was repeatedly broadcasted on the venue’s jumbotron. The officials ultimately decided to send Green packing to the locker room for the contact, much to the dismay of the Warriors, who trailed the Grizzlies 61-55 at the half.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON DILL — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the second half during Game 1of a second-round playoff series Sunday in Memphis, Tenn.

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dunks against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke in the second half during Game 1of a second-round playoff series Sunday in Memphis, Tenn.