San Francisco – In an intense play-in tournament showdown, Jimmy Butler III dominated with 38 points, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Stephen Curry also shone bright with 37 points, securing the seventh seed for the Warriors in the Western Conference playoffs.
Known as “Playoff Jimmy,” Butler showcased his prowess on both ends of the court, providing crucial support to Curry. With key three-pointers from Curry in the final minutes, the Warriors sealed their spot in a first-round series against the Rockets, starting in Houston on Sunday.
Despite a strong performance by Desmond Bane and Ja Morant for the Grizzlies, they fell short in their quest for victory. The Grizzlies will now face the winner of the Mavericks-Kings matchup to determine the eighth playoff seed.
Throughout the game, Butler’s stellar contributions, including a steal and dunk in the third quarter, fueled the Warriors’ momentum. Meanwhile, Curry faced relentless defensive pressure but managed to make significant plays, building on his impressive scoring record against the Grizzlies.
Despite a scare when Morant suffered an ankle injury, the Grizzlies pushed back with resilience. However, Edey’s late free throws and Butler’s consistent scoring ensured the Warriors emerged victorious.
Looking ahead, the Warriors aim to capitalize on this hard-fought win as they prepare to face tougher challenges in the playoffs. With Curry, Green, and Butler leading the charge, the Warriors are determined to make a statement this postseason after previous play-in game setbacks.