The Warriors vs Grizzlies play-in match-up did not begin in the manner most analysts anticipated. After the scores tied at 6-6, a series of bad pass turnovers allowed the Grizzlies to go up 18-6 in no time. It was as if the two sides had switched seats, with the Grizzlies going 3/3 from three-point range and the GSW struggling at 0/4.

However, it all changed within the next few minutes as Steph Curry started dropping bombs and got the score to 29-30. In a way, if Wednesday night was all about Curry vs LeBron James, today was all about the former vs Ja Morant. 

Grizzlies’ Ja Morant vs Warriors’ Steph Curry

The reigning ROY Ja Morant was functioning on a whole different level against the Warriors. He was very effective from the deep and was the first player to touch double figures on Friday night. He did not drop his guards even as Steph Curry kept checking him every time he was on the floor.

Enjoy this sequence where the fake pass king separated both Curry and Green away to score a smooth layup. 

By the end of Q3, Ja Morant had 20 points, 4 rebs, 4 assists, and 2 steals to his name at 44.4% from the field. It was a 5-point game before the decisive quarter with both the teams carrying an equal shot at the win.

Read More: ‘No Debate’: Ja Morant Makes a Strong Case for Warriors’ Steph Curry to Win the MVP 2021

Klay Thompson had a hard time watching his side struggle

The injured warrior in Klay Thompson was watching the game with eager eyes and a visible itch to jump in and play. 

Naturally, Klay was finding it hard to believe how the Warriors were struggling from the three-point range. Before Q4, they were 7/23 as opposed to the Grizzlies’ 11/25.

He witnessed the Warriors’ small-ball game which mostly struggled because of an ineffective Draymond Green. The Grizzlies, even with center Jonas Valanciunas staying limited to just 3 points, made it huge with Kyle Anderson playing great defensively. 

All-in-all, the Grizzlies were impressive for most of the game, but the Warriors were very close to catching up. Which side were you cheering for? Help us know in the comments.