In a disappointing turn of events for the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green’s return and Stephen Curry’s refreshed presence on the court were insufficient to secure a victory against the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies. Despite leading for the majority of the game, the Warriors succumbed to a 116-107 defeat at FedExForum on Monday, marking one of their most challenging losses in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Curry, although finishing with a game-high 26 points, struggled with his shooting rhythm and faced foul trouble throughout the night. Green, making his eagerly awaited return after more than a month, contributed seven points along with seven rebounds and four assists. Jonathan Kuminga showcased a noteworthy performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds, supported by Dario Šarić’s 13 points and seven boards. Andrew Wiggins added 16 points, while Klay Thompson was limited to nine points with a team-low minus-25.
The Warriors’ performance was marred by 18 turnovers, twice the combined total from their previous matchups against the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.
Draymond Green’s Return: Green made a impactful return off the bench in the first quarter, displaying eagerness to play. Initiating a 7-0 run with a wide-open 3-pointer, Green’s presence also revitalized the Warriors’ defense, limiting the Grizzlies to less than 32 percent shooting in the first quarter and 37.2 percent for the entire game. Notably, Green exhibited improved behavior, engaging positively with referees during breaks—a significant development for both him and the Warriors.
Rested Curry Returns, Too: Curry, benefiting from a day off in Milwaukee, played a team-high 32 minutes and shot 11 of 20 while providing eight assists. The star guard also adapted to playing off the ball when rookie Brandin Podziemski assumed the point guard role. Foul trouble posed challenges for Curry, picking up two quick fouls early in the game and sitting out a significant portion of the third quarter after his fourth foul.
Crashing, Not Splashing: In contrast to their usual three-point shooting prowess, the Warriors found success attacking the basket and scoring inside, especially given their dismal 32.3 percent (10 of 31) performance from beyond the arc. This strategic shift was driven by necessity as Golden State grappled with a difficult night of perimeter shooting. Conversely, the Grizzlies, known as the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA, capitalized on their opportunities, making 20 of 54 shots from deep, a key factor in the Warriors’ defeat.
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