Grizzlies hold off Warriors 111-108 in Chase Center thriller

A Late Rally Secures Road Win

The Memphis Grizzlies managed to escape Chase Center on Friday night, defeating the host Golden State Warriors 111-108. The victory improves Memphis’ record to 2-0, while the Warriors drop to 0-2 on the young season. The game was defined by a dramatic fourth quarter where Memphis overcame a significant deficit to secure the narrow margin.

First Half: Back and Forth Battle

The contest began with high energy at the San Francisco venue, attended by 18,064 fans. The first quarter was a tight affair, with both teams trading baskets and leads multiple times. Golden State took a slim 34-33 lead into halftime after a competitive second half that saw the score tied at various points before Memphis pulled ahead slightly.

The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors 27-22 in the second quarter to take a narrow advantage into the break. Cameron Boozer was efficient for Memphis, contributing crucial scoring and playmaking. The first half showcased the offensive firepower of both rosters, with Stephen Curry and Ty Jerome leading their respective attacks.

Third Quarter: Warriors Seize Control

The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Golden State’s offense exploded, outscoring Memphis 34-24 to take control of the game. Stephen Curry was instrumental in this stretch, finishing with 24 points for the Warriors. Yaxel Lendeborg also had a strong outing for San Francisco, grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists.

By the end of the third quarter, the Warriors had built a substantial lead, capitalizing on Memphis’ defensive lapses. The Grizzlies found themselves trailing significantly as they headed into the final period, needing a comeback to keep their perfect start alive.

Fourth Quarter: Jerome Leads Comeback

Memphis refused to go quietly in the fourth quarter. Ty Jerome stepped up with 28 points for the Grizzlies, including key scores that chipped away at the Warriors' lead. The Grizzlies’ defense tightened, and their offense found rhythm when it mattered most.

Cameron Boozer provided critical support with 13 rebounds and 6 assists, helping to stabilize the bench unit and facilitate the offense. In the closing minutes, Memphis eroded Golden State’s advantage, eventually tying the game and then taking the lead in the final moments. The Grizzlies held on despite a late surge from the Warriors, securing the 111-108 win.

Final Thoughts

The result marks a significant start for Memphis, who now sits at 2-0. For Golden State, the loss leaves them at 0-2 as they look to regroup. The game highlighted the depth of both teams, with contributions from multiple players on both sides. Jerome’s performance and Boozer’s all-around game were pivotal for Memphis, while Curry’s scoring kept the Warriors in contention until the end.

Sources

ESPN