MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson were the stars for the Memphis Grizzlies in their 116-107 win against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. Williams Jr. scored 24 points while Jackson added a career-high 23 points, securing a surprising victory for the injury-riddled Grizzlies over a nearly full-strength Warriors team.
Jaren Jackson Jr., despite shooting struggles, contributed 18 points for Memphis. The win was particularly notable given the Grizzlies’ injury woes, which left them without seven players. However, the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama, who missed the previous game, provided a much-needed boost.
Memphis center Xavier Tillman expressed his satisfaction with how players like Williams Jr. and Jackson stepped up in the face of adversity. Coach Taylor Jenkins lauded the win as a testament to the organization’s commitment to development, acknowledging contributions from players who have spent time with the Grizzlies’ G-League team, the Hustle.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry led with 26 points and eight assists. Jonathan Kuminga added a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points. Draymond Green, returning from a league suspension, played 23 minutes and scored seven points.
However, Golden State struggled defensively and was hampered by 19 turnovers. The Warriors also faced a significant disparity at the free-throw line, with Memphis going 32 of 40 compared to Golden State’s 9 of 10. Memphis also shot heavily from the 3-point line, making 20 out of 54 attempts.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr attributed the loss to poor defensive play and high turnovers. He emphasized the need for his team to respect every opponent, regardless of their roster status.
The game remained close for the first three quarters, but Memphis pulled ahead in the fourth with a 10-1 run, securing a lead that would snap their two-game losing streak.
The match held special significance as it took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day of great importance in Memphis due to its connection to the civil rights leader. The Grizzlies play in the FedExForum, located near the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.
Attendance was affected by extreme winter weather, with the Grizzlies offering ticket exchanges for upcoming games to those who couldn’t attend due to the conditions.
Looking Ahead:
The Warriors will conclude their four-game road trip against Utah on Wednesday. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are set to begin a four-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. This upcoming stretch will be a crucial test for the Grizzlies as they continue to navigate through their injury challenges and build on the momentum from this significant win.
