Recap: Shorthanded Grizzlies pull off upset against Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors

Jonah Dylan, Memphis Commercial Appeal

The Memphis Grizzlies came into Monday night’s game with the Golden State Warriors as heavy underdogs, and with good reason – they were missing seven players with injuries, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart.

But that didn’t matter. Led by an upstart performance from GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr. and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies dispatched the Warriors 116-107 on Monday at FedExForum. Williams had 24 points, GG Jackson had 23 off the bench and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18.

All in, the Grizzlies had seven players score in double figures, more production from the bench than they've gotten most of this season.

The Warriors struggled all night, turning the ball over 24 times (the Grizzlies only had 12 turnovers). Steph Curry led the way with 23 points, but the Warriors could never pull away from the shorthanded Grizzlies.

Memphis went on a run early in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to double digits, and the Warriors couldn’t make enough plays to get back into it.

Grizzlies vs. Warriors live score updates

Fourth quarter

3:27 left: The Grizzlies are still in front and just have to hold on for the final few minutes. Golden State has struggled with turnovers down the stretch, and it's 110-100 Grizzlies.

7:18 left: Memphis has rocketed to a 10-point lead at 106-96. The Grizzlies have repeatedly forced Warriors turnovers and then made them pay with three pointers on the other end. Luke Kennard hit one to finally force a Steve Kerr timeout with the lead at double digits.

10:50 left: The Grizzlies have the lead back. Jacob Gilyard connected on a three pointer and now has hit all three of his long-range attempts in the game. Memphis has kept it close every time the Warriors have threatened to pull away.

Third quarter

End of quarter: Warriors 86, Grizzlies 85.

1:52 left: The Warriors open up a seven point lead to force a Grizzlies timeout.

5:51 left: The Grizzlies have continued to answer after runs from the Warriors. Vince Williams Jr. (14 points) just scored to cut the lead to one, and the Warriors took a timeout.

7:55 left: The Warriors are in front 70-67 after Andrew Wiggins hits a floater to force a Grizzlies timeout. Steph Curry is up to 20 points.

Second quarter

Halftime:Warriors 56, Grizzlies 54. The Grizzlies have hung in the game even without so many injured players. Steph Curry had an effective second quarter and has a game-high 16 points to lead the Warriors, but the Grizzlies are in position to compete in the second half. Jackson still paces the Grizzlies with 14, while Jaren Jackson Jr. has 10 points.

8:06 left: GG Jackson has provided a spark for the Grizzlies off the bench and just hit a three-pointer to tie the game and force a Warriors timeout. Jackson has 14 points off the bench of 4-of-5 shooting and is the only player on either team in double figures.

First quarter

End of quarter: Warriors 29, Grizzlies 23. Vince Williams Jr. has a game-high seven points, but the Grizzlies are behind after the first quarter.

2:50 left: Draymond Green checked into the game to a chorus of boos, making his return from a suspension. The Grizzlies fans are booing Green every time he touches the ball, but the Warriors have opened up a seven point lead.

8:35 left: The Grizzlies jumped out to an early lead thanks to five early points from Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis took a 10-7 lead and forced a timeout from Steve Kerr.

Shorthanded Grizzlies looking for win

The Memphis Grizzlies are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

It feels like the entire team is injured at this point in the season, and the Grizzlies will take on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors on Monday at FedExForum without nearly their entire rotation. Memphis has been competitive in the last few games, but that will be a difficult task against the Warriors.

Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. are questionable with knee contusions, but the list of players ruled out ahead of Monday's game is almost as long as the list of healthy players who will suit up. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams, Derrick Rose and Jake LaRavia will all be inactive for the game.

The Grizzlies announced Sunday night that Bane, who was injured in Friday's loss to the LA Clippers, suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

There's more bad news for Memphis because Draymond Green of the Warriors is expected to return from his suspension in Monday's game.

The Grizzlies (14-25) have lost two in a row, while the Warriors (18-21) have lost three of their last four.

What channel is Grizzlies vs. Warriors on today?

  • TV channel: TNT/Bally Sports Southeast

  • Stream: Bally Sports app, FUBO (free trial)

Grizzlies vs. Warriors start time

  • Date: Jan. 15

  • Time: 5 p.m. CT

Grizzlies vs. Warriors betting odds

  • SPREAD: Warriors -8

  • MONEY LINE: Warriors -325, Grizzlies +260

  • OVER/UNDER: 226.5

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shorthanded Grizzlies pull off upset against Golden State Warriors

Advertisement