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‘Unfamiliar Territory’: Warriors’ Steph Curry Yet to Digest the Elimination Before the Playoffs

Published 05/22/2021, 1:05 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The play-in tournament involving Warriors and Grizzlies looked more like a conference title match at the Chase Center. On Friday night, the Dubs Nation did to the Grizzlies what the Lakers did to the Bay Area on Wednesday, cutting through the half-time 13-point deficit. However, the only twist tonight was the OT which led to the Grizzlies winning the game 117-112.

It was a crazy night as the Grizzlies snatched the win when the Warriors clearly entered as the favorites to kill the bears. It was a fabulous and memorable night from the starter in Ja Morant and the bench players in Xavier Tillman and Grayson Allen. Also, it was a forgetful experience for Steph Curry and Co.

The loss dejected Steph Curry

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The scoring champion of 2020-21 and an MVP finalist, Steph Curry had a tough outing against the Grizzlies. He played for 47 minutes in the game, scoring six three-pointers but nothing that was enough.

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He even scored a gravity-defying spin-around and-one along with a plethora of sequences where he reflected a gritty defense. Still, the Warriors’ loose run in the beginning cost them heavily later in the game. After the loss, although Curry hugged Ja Morant to congratulate him for a career-high five threes, he looked fatigued.

In the post-game interview, the 33-YO champion expressed, This is very unfamiliar territory. Very tough way to end it.”

Obviously, because this is the first time in eight years (2020 an exception with Curry injured), that he failed to lead them to the postseason. After that statement, Steph gave the perfect example of a true leader and praised his team for everything they’ve achieved as a shorthanded unit.

WATCH: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Makes Draymond Green and Stephen Curry Look Silly With a Smart Ball Fake

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What led to the debacle of the Warriors against the Grizzlies?

First and foremost, the Warriors’ second unit did not come handy, and it was the same from the second quarter itself. As Draymond Green and Steph stayed out at the beginning of Q2, the GSW went 9-15 in that time.

Later, although Jordan Poole showed some character with accurate inbound passes and keeping a check on Jonas Valanciunas, every other rotation player failed.

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Star guard Dillon Brooks was very good against Steph Curry as the point-leader scored 39 but turned over seven times. Also, Grayson Allen covered up for his poor play against the Spurs and scored 12 points (four threes). Lastly, both Kyle Anderson and Xavier Tillman stood out with their impressive plays from both ends.

It was a brutal finish by the Grizzlies who will next meet the Utah Jazz in round 1 of their playoff starter. Do you think the Grizzlies can repeat this form? Help us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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