Warriors Overcome Grizzlies to Stay Undefeated in NBA Cup: Key Takeaways from the Win

The Golden State Warriors fought through early shooting struggles and a determined Memphis Grizzlies squad to earn a hard-fought 123-118 victory at Chase Center on Friday night. Despite Steph Curry facing heavy defensive pressure and not hitting his usual scoring highs, the Warriors found a way to win, improving to 10-2 and 2-0 in the NBA Cup.

Here’s what we learned from another impressive performance by the Warriors, as they continue to demonstrate their resilience and teamwork:

1. Draymond Green’s Impact from Beyond the Arc

When Curry’s scoring takes a backseat, Draymond Green stepped up in a big way, especially behind the three-point line. Though he missed his first two attempts, Green found his rhythm in the third quarter, knocking down two crucial 3-pointers—back-to-back—to push the Warriors to an 11-point lead. This marked Green’s fourth consecutive game hitting multiple threes, tying a career-high streak. The Warriors are now 140-30 in regular-season games when Green makes two or more threes. With Green shooting 45.2% from beyond the arc this season (19 of 42), his long-range improvement has become a vital asset for Golden State’s offense.

2. Injury Trouble Strikes Again: Lindy Waters III

The Warriors were dealt a tough blow when Lindy Waters III, filling in for the injured De’Anthony Melton, went down with a knee injury. Waters had been a bright spot early, scoring 8 points and hitting two threes before injuring his left knee during a block attempt on Santi Aldama. After receiving medical attention, Waters was ruled out for the rest of the game with a left knee hyperextension. It’s another tough break for the Warriors, who are now faced with yet another injury to contend with this season. Brandin Podziemski stepped in for Waters in the second half.

3. Play of the Game (Play of the Year?)

The play of the night (maybe even the season) came courtesy of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. In a jaw-dropping sequence, Kuminga snatched away a pass from the Grizzlies and raced down the court. What followed was a stunning behind-the-back pass from Podziemski, who had sprinted into the first row of fans to save the ball. Using his non-dominant right hand, he flicked a perfect pass to Kuminga, who finished the play with a monster dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr.. It was an electrifying moment that showcased Podziemski’s hustle and court awareness. Despite a somewhat slow start to the season, Podziemski’s energy and creativity were on full display, proving once again why he’s a key piece of the Warriors’ depth.

4. Warriors' Three-Point Domination

Golden State’s long-range shooting was a major factor in this win. The Warriors knocked down 19 three-pointers, shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc, compared to just 7 three-pointers (16.7%) for the Grizzlies. This three-point shooting differential played a big role in the Warriors maintaining control despite their early struggles.

In Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Win and a Strong Start to the NBA Cup

With this victory, the Warriors continue their undefeated streak in the NBA Cup, showing resilience and depth despite injuries and off-night performances from key players like Curry. The team's ability to rely on Draymond Green, Podziemski, and others when needed has proven crucial as Golden State stays strong in both the regular season and tournament play.