Grizzlies Fall to Warriors in Play-In Despite Strong Effort

Curry and Butler’s Combined 75 Points Propel Warriors to Playoffs Over Grizzlies; Face Rockets Next

SAN FRANCISCO – A dynamic offensive display from Jimmy Butler III and Stephen Curry powered the Golden State Warriors to a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday night. Butler led all scorers with 38 points, while Curry added 37, securing the Warriors the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs and a first-round matchup against the second-seeded Houston Rockets.  

The Chase Center witnessed a captivating contest as the Warriors weathered a fierce second-half comeback attempt by the Grizzlies. After trailing by as many as 20 points, Memphis rallied to briefly take the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Curry took charge in the final period, scoring 15 crucial points to guide Golden State to the win. Curry finished with six three-pointers, while Butler delivered another stellar performance.  

Post-game, Butler lauded Curry’s heroic fourth-quarter effort, comparing him to “Batman” for consistently saving the day. “You’re never out of any game [with Curry], he’s so poised, so calm, and he was a huge part of getting us the victory,” Butler told TNT. He also praised the team’s resilience and determination.

Memphis was left to rue a missed opportunity after their spirited comeback fell short. Their momentum was significantly hampered when Ja Morant suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter, forcing him to leave the game for several minutes. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points, while a visibly hobbled Morant returned to score 22. Memphis will now compete for the final Western Conference playoff spot against the winner of Wednesday’s play-in game between the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.  

Magic Dominate Hawks to Secure Eastern Conference Playoff Berth

ORLANDO – In the Eastern Conference play-in tournament’s other Tuesday matchup, the Orlando Magic secured the seventh seed with a decisive 120-95 home victory over the Atlanta Hawks. A strong performance from Orlando’s bench, led by Cole Anthony’s 26 points, proved to be the difference-maker.  

The Magic will now face the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, with their best-of-seven series beginning on Sunday. The Hawks will compete for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot against the winner of Wednesday’s play-in game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat on Friday.

Orlando demonstrated confidence and control on both ends of the court. Cole Anthony and Anthony Black combined for 42 points, including seven three-pointers. Center Wendell Carter Jr led the Magic starters with 19 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.  

Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points but was ejected late in the fourth quarter. After a closely contested first quarter, the Magic took command with an 18-4 run, establishing a 32-17 lead. Although Atlanta narrowed the gap in the third period, Orlando’s dominant 41-21 fourth-quarter performance sealed a convincing win for the home team.