Jimmy Butler III scored 38 factors and Stephen Curry added 37 because the Golden State Warriors clinched the No. 7 seed within the Western Conference playoffs, edging the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in Tuesday night time’s play-in thriller.
“It took 83 games, but we’re right where we want to be – back in the playoffs,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “And we’ve got a chance.”
Golden State, now 1-3 all time in play-in video games, will open the primary spherical in opposition to the second-seeded Houston Rockets on Sunday.
“We have a group of guys with a lot of fight,” Butler mentioned. “We never gave up, and we did what we’re supposed to do, finally.”
Curry drained six 3-pointers and made all 13 of his free-throw makes an attempt to assist the Warriors maintain off Memphis.
“That’s a Batman if I’ve ever seen a Batman,” Butler mentioned of Curry. “Always coming to save the day. You’re never out of any game. More than anything, he’s so poised and so calm.”
The Grizzlies will host both the Sacramento Kings or the Dallas Mavericks on Friday for the No. 8 playoff seed. The Kings and Mavericks play their play-in sport Wednesday night time.
Desmond Bane made 5 3-pointers and scored 30 factors for Memphis. Ja Morant added 22 factors regardless of lacking time within the second half as a result of an ankle damage. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18 factors, Zach Edey posted 14 factors and 17 rebounds, and Santi Aldama additionally scored 14 for the Grizzlies, who trailed by 20 within the second quarter.
Edey made two free throws with 14.3 seconds left to tug the Grizzlies inside 117-116. Curry sank two extra from the road with 5.4 seconds remaining to push the lead again to a few.
After a timeout, Aldama did not inbound the ball and was referred to as for a violation. Curry was fouled once more with 3.4 seconds left and made each free throws to seal the sport.
“Desmond was the first option on that (inbound),” Memphis interim coach Tuomas Iisalo mentioned. “There was a small window for that. I think Jimmy Butler made a small defensive error and (Golden State’s Kevon) Looney was on top of it and did a good job. … That was the window to throw the pass, and we didn’t – and after this, they were in perfect position to take out the second options.”
Gary Payton II had 12 factors and Quinten Post added 11 for Golden State, which shot 45.9%, together with 15 of 43 (34.9%) from 3-point vary.
Memphis shot 48.8% general and made 12 of 26 (46.2%) from behind the arc.
The Grizzlies trailed by 12 at halftime earlier than mounting a spirited run within the third quarter.
Morant transformed a three-point play as Memphis pulled inside 82-81 with 4:25 left within the interval, however injured his proper ankle when he landed on Buddy Hield’s left foot. After making the free throw, the Grizzlies deliberately fouled to sub him out.
Memphis opened the fourth quarter with 5 straight factors – a 3-pointer by Bane and a layup by John Konchar – to take a 96-94 lead, its first benefit because the opening quarter.
Morant returned with the sport tied at 96 and 9:26 remaining.
Butler scored 21 first-half factors and Golden State led 67-55 on the break. Morant had 15 within the half for Memphis.
Curry hit a 3-pointer and accomplished a four-point play throughout a 9-0 run that pushed Golden State’s result in 55-35 with 6:53 left within the half – its largest of the night time.
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