Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends against Golden State Warriors center Kevin Looney (5) during the first half at Memphis on Sat Mar 18, 2023 (AP News photo)
Warriors Continue Losing Ways drop 29th road game to Memphis 133-119
By Barbara Mason
The Golden State Warriors (36-36) continued on what has been a most disappointing road trip dropping the first two games, one against the Hawks and the first game of this recent trip to the Los Angeles Clippers. Tonight they faced another very tough opponent in the Memphis Grizzlies (43-27) and once again lost another road game 133-119.
Memphis is a power house sitting in second place in the Western Conference. These two teams do not like each other and have clashed all season. Golden State continues to struggle on the road and are facing some major challenges right now as the season begins to wind down.
Game recap: The Grizzlies jumped all over Golden State in the first quarter leading after the first twelve minutes 33-23. The second quarter was a close one with Memphis coming out on top 38-36 and leading at the half 71-59. The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors from beyond the arc 60% to Golden State’s 40.%.
Jonathan Kuminga kept the Warriors competitive in the first quarter hitting three shots from beyond the arc and finishing the half with 15 points.
The Warriors got within striking distance in the third quarter, and with 6:54 left in the quarter trailed by four points 80-76. Golden State worked hard to get oh so close only to let the Grizzlies off the hook. With 5:17 left on the clock in the quarter Memphis was back on top 90-76.
It’s just so hard to understand how so much can go wrong so quickly and then in a blink of an eye, get back within six points with 2:26 left in the quarter. The Warriors were showing a lot of fight but their play was just so inconsistent. Every time they got close, Memphis put the stops on Golden State.
After three quarters, the Warriors had cut the Grizzlies lead to four points 104-100. Jonathan Kuminga was having a terrific game with 24 points and 7 rebounds through three quarters.
The Warriors got close at times in this game but could not push it over the top. The Grizzlies handing the Warriors their third loss on this road trip. The struggles for Golden State continue as the team is now 36-36 and hanging by their fingernails onto a playoff spot tied for sixth with the Mavericks.
Jonathan Kuminga finished with 24 points, the high tonight. Also off the bench, Jordan Poole had 21 points. It was a slow night for Stephen Curry with 16 points and Klay Thompson with 14.
Monday night the Warriors will take on the Rockets in Houston. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
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