Grizzlies stun Warriors in overtime
Memphis rallies from 19-point deficit to win
As the final seconds ticked off at Chase Center, Ja Morant dribbled out the clock and made Gary Payton II slip and fall trying to foul him. Morant threw the ball in the air and ran right to his Memphis Grizzlies teammates.
For the second time in six months, Morant broke the Golden State Warriors’ hearts in their arena. Just as he did in last season’s play-in tournament, he had a late layup Thursday night in the final minute of overtime.
The shot led to the final margin of victory, a 104-101 win. The Grizzlies not only rallied from trailing 19 points in the first half, they survived a Stephen Curry scoring binge when he missed a game-winning 3-pointer in regulation.
The win handed the Warriors their first loss of the season and ended the Grizzlies’ (3-2) West Coast road trip on a high note. Here’s what we learned from the comeback win.
Morant comes through again
After a slow start for the second consecutive game, Morant got going right after halftime. The Warriors (4-1) tried to keep the NBA’S scoring leader out of the paint but he scored 18 of the Grizzlies’ 28 third-quarter points to bring them within 79-73.
Morant only made two field goal after that but both were key. His 29-foot 3pointer over Draymond Green put the Grizzlies (3-2) up 94-93 as he held his follow through and lifted his legs back-andforth in a dance similar to what Curry does after a big shot.
His final basket came in overtime as he spun between two defenders for a layup. It was Morant’s only overtime field goal but it capped another strong performance with 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Defense returns
The Grizzlies entered Thursday last in defensive rating but found their form from last season. They finished with 17 steals and forced eight turnovers in the third quarter
De’anthony Melton had four steals and three blocks while playing tight defense on Curry. Morant added four steals and Kyle Anderson had two blocks, including one in overtime at the rim against Andre Iguodala that led to Melton making a go-ahead layup.
For a team that’s struggled defensively in four games, it was the type they effort they needed and even more so against the one of the NBA’S hottest teams to start the season.
Grizzlies cool off Curry
Curry had 22 first-half points and made a one-handed, running 3-pointer just before halftime.
But with Melton leading the charge, Curry couldn’t keep up his shooting after the third quarter.
He was a combined 0-for-6 in the fourth quarter and overtime while going scoreless in both periods.
He finished with 36 points but shot 11of-29 from the field, including 20 3-point attempts.
Collective support
After their worst performance of the season against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Grizzlies perhaps had their best thanks to their depth.
Desmond Bane gave the Grizzlies their first lead on a 3-pointer with 6:21 left in the fourth quarter. Despite a Bandaid that covered six stitches on a swollen left eyelid, he had 19 points on five 3pointers.
Jackson shot just 5-for-16 but had 15 points, eight rebounds and played critical minutes at center during the fourth quarter and overtime.
Experience matters
If there’s one early lesson from this team besides Morant raising his game, the Grizzlies are showing they’re handling close games better than last season.
They showed it against the Clippers last Saturday, nearly did to the Lakers Sunday and did it again to the Warriors to end this road trip 2-2 against four playoff-caliber teams. The Grizzlies aren’t just taking baby steps forward, they’re walking confident in their strengths.
Next Up
The road trip ends but the Grizzlies won’t find easy comfort at home Saturday (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast). They host the Miami Heat .
The Grizzlies can take hope from the Heat being on the second night of a backto-back after hosting the Charlotte Hornets Friday. The Grizzlies won both meetings last season, including a win at Fedexforum on a game-winning basket by Morant.