The Golden State Warriors were given a halftime directive to seize control of the third quarter and tighten up their defense, and they immediately capitalized on the opportunity upon returning to the court.
They executed efficient ball movement while also maintaining possession.
Stephen Curry achieved a milestone by hitting 300 3-pointers for an unprecedented fifth NBA season, contributing 14 points with four 3s. He was one of seven players who scored in double digits as the Warriors secured a 137-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
Teammate Chris Paul expressed confidence in Curry’s ability to repeat the feat next year, emphasizing his exceptional shooting prowess and dedication to fitness. Jonathan Kuminga led the scoring with 26 points, supported by Andrew Wiggins with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Klay Thompson with 23 points coming off the bench.
Paul showcased his playmaking skills by dishing out a season-high 14 assists, aiding the team in achieving their 30th game with at least 30 assists. Coach Steve Kerr lauded Paul’s passing as exemplary, remarking on the team’s season-best performance of 43 assists with only six turnovers.
Paul attributed his adeptness at finding open teammates to his extensive experience playing basketball since childhood and learning from exceptional coaches. Despite being sidelined for a few games, he maintains a deep understanding of the game.
For the Grizzlies, GG Jackson II scored 35 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 28 points. Santi Aldama added 27 points, including 15 in the second quarter.
The game saw a resurgence in intensity between the two teams, stemming from their competitive history dating back to the 2022 playoffs. A minor altercation ensued during the second quarter, resulting in technical fouls for both sides.
Kuminga and Curry had strong performances early in the game, with Kuminga scoring 11 points in the first quarter and Curry making five of his first six shots. Despite concerns about his back, Draymond Green started the game and recorded 10 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
The Warriors leveled their home record at 18-18 after a recent loss to the Knicks and have now won four consecutive games. They maintain a strong home record against the Grizzlies, winning 10 of their last 12 matchups.
Kuminga continued his impressive performance streak, scoring in double digits for the eighth consecutive game and registering his ninth 20-point performance in the last 12 games. Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski demonstrated his defensive prowess by drawing his NBA-leading 35th charge.
