The NBA Play-In Tournament kicked off on April 15, 2025, with a thrilling matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 48 wins and 34 losses, but the Warriors held the home court advantage due to tiebreaker criteria. The stakes were high, as the winner would secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs and face the Houston Rockets, while the loser would get a second chance against the victor of the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks matchup.
As the game unfolded, it became a showcase of talent and resilience, featuring standout performances from both squads. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who was making his postseason debut, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. Curry, known for his clutch performances, was expected to play a crucial role, while Butler sought to prove his worth after joining the Warriors in the offseason.
The first quarter set the tone for an intense battle, with the Warriors initially taking control. They jumped out to a quick lead, showcasing their offensive prowess. By the end of the first quarter, Golden State was ahead 31-25, with Butler contributing significantly to the scoreline. However, the Grizzlies, spearheaded by Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, refused to back down. Morant's dynamic play and Bane's sharpshooting kept Memphis within striking distance.
As the second quarter progressed, the Warriors extended their lead to as much as 20 points, demonstrating their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. Butler was particularly impressive, scoring 21 points in the first half alone, while Curry added 16 points, including several crucial three-pointers. Despite the Warriors' strong performance, the Grizzlies mounted a comeback, trimming the deficit to 12 points at halftime with a score of 67-55.
In the second half, the Grizzlies ramped up their defensive intensity and began to chip away at the Warriors' lead. Bane emerged as a key player for Memphis, scoring 30 points throughout the game and helping his team regain momentum. The third quarter saw the Grizzlies outscore the Warriors 36-27, narrowing the gap to just three points by the end of the period. Morant, who had twisted his right foot earlier in the game, returned to the court and continued to be a factor, scoring 22 points overall.
As the fourth quarter commenced, tension filled the arena. The Warriors, now facing a much closer game than anticipated, needed to rely on their experience and composure. Curry stepped up, hitting critical shots to keep Golden State ahead. With just under a minute left, Curry made a pivotal three-pointer, pushing the Warriors' lead to 117-111. However, the Grizzlies were not done yet. With the clock winding down, they executed a quick offense, but a crucial turnover by Memphis led to a delay-of-game violation, allowing the Warriors to regain control.
In the final moments, Curry hit four consecutive free throws, sealing the victory for Golden State at 121-116. The Warriors secured their playoff spot, while the Grizzlies, despite their valiant effort, would have to regroup and face the winner of the Kings-Mavericks game for a last chance at the postseason.
Post-game, Butler reflected on his performance, stating, "It feels great to contribute to a win in my first playoff game. We knew it would be tough, but we executed when it mattered most." Meanwhile, Curry, who finished with 37 points, emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, "We played together and made the right plays down the stretch. That’s what it takes in these high-stakes games."
The Warriors will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their playoff debut against the Rockets on April 20, 2025. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will have to regroup quickly, as they face a do-or-die situation against the Kings or Mavericks on April 18, 2025, in their quest for a playoff berth. The excitement of the NBA Play-In Tournament continues, with teams fighting tooth and nail for a chance at playoff glory.
