Memphis, TN - The Golden State Warriors were dealt a crushing blow on Thursday night, suffering one of the worst defeats in franchise history as they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies by a staggering 51 points, with the final score reading 144-93. Fans and analysts alike will surely scramble to describe the game as one of the most dismal performances of the season for Golden State, especially considering the high expectations placed upon them.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors sat stunned, their star players nowhere to be found as Memphis rode roughshod over them. The Grizzlies, behind consistent scoring and excellent ball movement, were able to take control early, establishing a significant lead and extending it throughout the contest. By halftime, the Warriors found themselves down 31 points, unable to mount any sort of serious challenge to the home team.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, facing questions from the media, said, “I know we’re going to bounce back. I’m not concerned about it. But we’ve got a lot to work to do to execute and learn how to execute under pressure and take care of the ball and get good shots” (source: Article 1). His words may echo through the locker room as the team contemplates how to snap their current losing streak.
Of the Warriors' marquee names, only Andrew Wiggins and rookie Brandin Podziemski managed to shine, combining for 40 points on efficient shooting. Wiggins was able to put up 19 points, demonstrating some fight against the onslaught, but it was far from enough. The veterans, including Steph Curry and Draymond Green, had nights to forget. Curry managed just two points - with both coming from free throws - and did not register any field goals, marking it as one of the most unproductive games of his illustrious career. This was the first time he had gone 0-7 from the field when attempting at least one shot since 2018. Green’s night was equally grim: he finished with zero points, zeros in rebounds and assists, four turnovers, and became part of the record books with the worst plus/minus (-42) of any player who logged less than 20 minutes (source: Article 2).
The Grizzlies, displaying impressive teamwork and depth, ended the game with all 12 players scoring five points or more, highlighting their collective effort. The team shot 54.1 percent from the field and even more impressive, 56.3 percent beyond the arc, showcasing their remarkable shooting prowess. Santi Aldama led the charge for Memphis with 21 points, followed closely by Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard with 19 and 15 points, respectively. Who would have thought, coming up against the reigning champions, the Grizzlies would generate enough firepower to not only win but dominate?
While frustrating for the Warriors, this game wasn't merely one bad outing. It follows a disheartening trend where they have lost eight of their past ten games, demonstrating the struggles faced by the team as they navigate the increasingly competitive Western Conference. This collision course came at a time when the Warriors were supposed to be asserting themselves, having recently traded for guard Dennis Schröder to revamp their offense, but his debut was lackluster at best. Schröder ended the night with just five points, shooting 2 for 12 from the field and contributing to the Warriors' woeful offensive output.
Defensively, the Warriors looked lost, finishing with 17 turnovers and allowing the Grizzlies to push their lead throughout the game. It is shocking to see how quickly their defensive rating has plummeted; what had been considered one of the top-ranked defenses early on has showed signs of vulnerability, conceding 287 points over their past two games. The team hopes they can hit the reset button as they prepare for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Historically, this game marks the fourth-worst loss for the Warriors franchise, just below their 52-point defeat against the Boston Celtics last season. This unprecedented loss raised many eyebrows around the league, leading to urgent discussions about the potential state and viability of the Warriors as they try to recover some semblance of regular season form.
With their record now at 14-12, the Warriors have some tough decisions to make if they hope to swing momentum back on their side. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, moved to the top of the Western Conference, relishing the opportunity to build upon such dominant performances against the league’s best.
What can the Warriors learn from this damaging encounter? Will they be able to find their groove again, or is this loss one of those defining moments for the season? Only time will reveal the answers as Golden State looks to recover.
