SAN FRANCISCO — The Memphis Grizzlies are back in the play-in tournament, facing the Golden State Warriors on April 15, 2025, at Chase Center, a venue that has become all too familiar for both teams. This matchup marks the third postseason battle between these rivals in five years, with the Grizzlies looking to recapture the magic of their 2021 play-in victory over the Warriors.
As the Grizzlies took the court for a shootaround early Tuesday morning, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The stakes are high for both teams, each entering the game with two losses in the tournament, meaning the loser faces elimination. Memphis is a 6.5-point underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but they are determined to turn the tide against a team that has historically given them trouble.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the standout forward for the Grizzlies, has been a focal point of the team’s strategy. This season, he averaged 22.2 points per game on impressive shooting splits of 49% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 78% from the free-throw line. However, Jackson's performance has been marred by foul troubles, a recurring issue that has frustrated both him and the coaching staff. He led the NBA in fouls per game for the third consecutive season, and his ability to stay on the floor will be crucial against the Warriors.
“If I’m not able to be out there and produce, I’m not doing anything to help,” Jackson said, addressing his recent struggles with fouls. “You just got to be super aware and super conscious of what you’re doing.” His comments reflect the urgency of the situation as the Grizzlies aim to avoid an early exit from the playoffs.
Desmond Bane, another key player for Memphis, fondly recalled the Grizzlies’ last meeting with the Warriors in the playoffs, a thrilling 117-112 overtime victory in May 2021. Bane scored the final three points of that game, sealing the win and igniting the Grizzlies’ postseason journey. “I feel like that was the momentum starter to this whole thing that we’re still trying to build,” Bane said. “It was one of the biggest games that I have played in.”
Fast forward to 2025, and the Grizzlies are back at Chase Center, hoping to channel that previous success. Only five players remain from the 2021 roster, with Bane, Jackson, and Ja Morant being the notable holdovers. Morant, who scored 35 points in the 2021 play-in game, will also play a pivotal role, especially as he returns to form after a tumultuous season marked by injuries and off-court controversies.
The Grizzlies’ road to this point has been rocky. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing 27-55 record, they fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the regular season. The team dropped from the No. 2 seed to the No. 8 seed in a month, underscoring the volatility of their season. Jackson, however, has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, showcasing his growth as a player.
“We understand what’s ahead of us. We know what it’s like to perform during those pressure moments,” Jackson said. His confidence is bolstered by the lessons learned during a challenging previous season, where he was forced to adapt his game due to injuries to key teammates like Morant and Bane.
Despite the challenges, Jackson has thrived, finishing the season with career highs in three-pointers made (146) and points in the paint (824). His versatility as a scorer, coupled with his defensive prowess, makes him a unique asset for the Grizzlies. “He’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever been around,” Bane said, praising Jackson’s skill set. “A guy with his size, skill and touch? You can’t teach that.”
As the game approaches, both teams are acutely aware of the implications. The winner not only advances but also avoids a daunting first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors, led by stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, will be looking to assert their dominance, while the Grizzlies aim to prove they can rise to the occasion.
In their last matchup on April 1, the Grizzlies fell to the Warriors 134-125, a game that highlighted Jackson's ongoing struggle with foul trouble. Draymond Green, a former Michigan State teammate of Jackson’s, expressed disappointment in Jackson’s inability to stay on the court. “He’s too good to still be getting in foul trouble,” Green remarked, emphasizing the need for Jackson to take the next step in his development.
This game is more than just a chance for redemption; it’s an opportunity for the Grizzlies to heal old wounds and build a new narrative. Bane noted, “These opportunities don’t come around too often to play in the postseason. Definitely ain’t forget, and looking forward to getting the win tonight.”
As tip-off approaches at 10:00 PM EST, the Grizzlies are ready to embrace the pressure of the moment. They know that their fate hangs in the balance, and for Jackson, the time is now to step up and deliver. The stakes are high, and the Grizzlies are determined to write a new chapter in their rivalry with the Warriors.
