Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler put on a spectacular scoring exhibition to guide the Golden State Warriors to a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling play-in game Tuesday night at the Chase Center.
Curry scored 37 points, knocking down six three-pointers and a crucial 15-point fourth quarter, while Butler led all scorers with 38 points as the Golden State resisted a furious second-half surge from the Grizzlies. With the win, the Warriors now have a first round playoff date with the second-seeded Houston Rockets.
“That’s a Batman if I’ve seen one — always coming to save the day,” Butler said of Curry’s late-game exploits. “[With him,] you’re never out of a game.”
Golden State built up to a 20-point lead, but Memphis clawed back, briefly taking the lead in the final quarter. But Curry’s timely shooting made the difference in the closing minutes.
Desmond Bane added 30 points for the Grizzlies and Ja Morant, who briefly left after rolling his ankle in the third quarter, added 22 points but failed to make much of an impact upon his return.
Memphis will meet the winner of Sacramento vs. Dallas for the final playoff spot.
In the East, the Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 120-95, on the strength of 26 points off the bench by Cole Anthony to secure a playoff spot.
