Grizzlies vs. Warriors: Western Conference Play-In Showdown for No. 7 Seed

High-Stakes Play-In Battle Unfolds

Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors collided in a dramatic Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday night, with the winner earning the right to face the Houston Rockets in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs. Both teams entered the matchup with identical 44-38 records, setting the stage for a winner-take-all showdown at Chase Center.

Key Game Highlights

• Historic Rematch: A callback to the 2021 play-in game where Memphis stunned Golden State 117-112 in overtime
• Coaching Chess Match: Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo (4-5 since March 28) vs. Steve Kerr's championship pedigree
• Curry's Redemption Bid: Warriors' 0-3 all-time play-in tournament record adds pressure to the two-time MVP
• Morant's Playoff Push: Grizzlies' star guard looks to replicate 2021 heroics (35 PTS, 6 AST in previous play-in)

Turning Point Moments

1. Third Quarter Surge: Warriors' 18-4 run fueled by Klay Thompson's back-to-back corner threes
2. Defensive Standoff: Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 4 blocks through three quarters set franchise play-in record
3. Bench Impact: Gary Payton II's +15 plus/minus in 22 minutes kept Warriors alive

What's Next?

The winner advances to face Houston Rockets in a first-round series starting Sunday. The loser gets another chance Friday against the Kings-Mavericks survivor for the No. 8 seed.

By the Numbers

"This is playoff basketball before the playoffs even start" - ESPN analyst Mark Jackson during broadcast

Historical Context

• Warriors seeking first play-in tournament victory (0-3 all-time)
• Memphis aims to become first team to eliminate GSW twice in play-in format
• Last meeting: Grizzlies won 121-115 in March 2025 behind Morant's 28/11 AST

Follow live updates and analysis on ESPN's NBA Playoff Countdown show.