“Splash Brothers Soar: Warriors Dominate Grizzlies in Statement Win”2025
Memphis Grizzlies was any indication, the heart of a champion still beats loud in the Bay.
In a high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament thriller, the Golden State Warriors delivered a performance that reminded everyone exactly why they’ve been a dynasty in the last decade. The final score: 121–116, but this game was more than just numbers—it was about heart, hustle, and a whole lot of splash.
Pakistan’s Farhan
Curry & Klay Turn Back the Clock
Let’s talk about the Splash Brothers. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson looked like they’d traveled back in time to 2015. Curry dropped 37 points, weaving through Memphis defenders like he had the ball on a string. He buried deep threes in transition, in isolation, and off screens. His signature pull-up dagger with just under a minute to go sent Chase Center into a frenzy.
And then there was Klay. Steady. Lethal. Vintage. His 25 points may not pop off the box score like Curry’s, but the timing of his buckets—especially a crucial third-quarter stretch where Memphis threatened to take control—was everything. This was the duo that built an empire. And last night, they reminded the league: They’re not done yet.
Butler’s Surprise Brilliance
Yeah, that’s right. The newly-acquired veteran, who joined the Dubs at the trade deadline, showed exactly why Bob Myers (or maybe Lacob’s secret GM committee?) took the gamble. Butler was an absolute force, leading all scorers with 38 points, bullying his way to the rim and hitting tough mid-range shots like it was the 90s again.
He gave Golden State something they’ve lacked since KD left—a strong, physical wing who can score in isolation and bring relentless energy on defense. In a game filled with finesse and shooting, Butler’s grit was the perfect counterbalance.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Warriors led by 20 in the first half. The ball movement was poetry. The defense was stifling. Ja Morant looked frustrated. Desmond Bane was smothered. It felt like a blowout waiting to happen.
But of course, no game against Memphis is ever easy. Ja exploded in the third quarter with one of his trademark flurries—dunks, floaters, and fearless drives. Bane caught fire from deep. Suddenly, that 20-point cushion vanished like smoke, and it was a one-possession game with under five minutes left.
Still, the Warriors didn’t blink. Championship DNA doesn’t flinch. A huge defensive stand by Draymond Green, who forced a five-second inbound violation, swung the momentum back. Curry’s triple on the next possession iced it.
A Message to the League
The Warriors clinched the 7th seed and will now face the Houston Rockets in what promises to be a physical, high-octane first-round series. But perhaps more importantly, they reasserted themselves as a threat. They’ve been counted out all season—too old, too inconsistent, too injury-prone. But when healthy? When the Splash Brothers are rolling, and now with Jimmy Butler in tow?
Looking Ahead: Warriors vs. Rockets
Next up: the red-hot Rockets, led by Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün. Houston’s young core has been tearing through the West, but they’ve never faced a playoff-tested squad like this.
Can the Warriors’ experience outduel Houston’s youthful fire? Can Butler keep up this level of play? Will Klay and Steph keep flashing that old magic?
Final Thoughts
The Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry has produced some incredible moments over the years, and this one goes right to the top of the list. But more than anything, this was a reminder: The Golden State Warriors sent a loud and clear message last night: they’re not done yet.
In a vintage performance, the Splash Brothers — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — lit up the scoreboard and reminded everyone why they’re still one of the most dangerous duos in the league. Curry danced around defenders with his signature handles and deep threes, while Klay found his rhythm early and never let up, draining shot after shot with mechanical precision.
The Memphis Grizzlies, known for their grit and grind, looked outmatched from the opening tip. Despite a few bursts of energy from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, they couldn’t keep pace with Golden State’s offensive firepower and quick ball movement.
But this wasn’t just about one hot night from the Warriors’ backcourt. It was a full-team effort. Draymond Green anchored the defense, rookie contributions were solid, and the bench came through with timely buckets.
After an up-and-down stretch, this dominant win feels like a turning point — or at the very least, a reminder that when the Splash Brothers are clicking, the Warriors are still a force to be reckoned with.
