Vince Williams Jr. led with 24 points, and GG Jackson scored a career-high 23, propelling the Memphis Grizzlies to a 116-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors during Monday’s NBA action. This game marked Draymond Green’s return to the Warriors following his suspension.
Despite a challenging shooting night where he made just 4-20 shots, Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points for Memphis. The Grizzlies’ triumph was somewhat unexpected, as they were dealing with several injuries, some of which were long-term. Seven Memphis players were sidelined for the game, yet Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama returned after missing a previous game.
Xavier Tillman, Memphis’ center, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of players like Williams and Jackson, who seized the opportunity.
“I’m happy that guys who got that opportunity, like Vince and GG, took advantage of it and played really well,” Tillman said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors Updates
Coach Taylor Jenkins of Memphis praised the win as a testament to the team’s developmental approach, acknowledging the contributions from their G-League team, the Hustle.
“Big win for the Grizzlies, and definitely got to shout out big with for the Hustle as well,” Jenkins said. “This is a product of full-on development.”
Stephen Curry spearheaded the Warriors’ effort with 26 points and eight assists. Jonathan Kuminga contributed with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins added 16 points. Returning from his suspension, Green played 23 minutes and scored seven points.
The Warriors’ defensive shortcomings and 19 turnovers were significant factors in their defeat. Memphis capitalized on free throws, making 32-40 attempts, in contrast to Golden State’s 9-10, highlighting a notable difference in the game. Memphis also shot 20-54 from the three-point line.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors Updates
Warriors coach Steve Kerr pointed to poor defense and high turnovers as key issues. Kerr also mentioned Memphis’ strategy to shoot a high volume of 3-pointers and push for transition opportunities.
“We played very poorly defensively, but a lot of that had to do with our offense,” Kerr said. “Nineteen turnovers that turned into 30 points. Their game plan was simple: Shoot as many 3s as possible and get into transition as often as possible. For us to foul 25 times to their 12, that’s the story. They just played a really clean game.”
The game remained close until the fourth quarter when Memphis pulled away with a 10-1 run, leading to a 110-98 advantage and ultimately breaking their two-game losing streak.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors Updates
The match also served as the Grizzlies’ annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, paying homage to the civil rights leader assassinated in 1968 near the Grizzlies’ home arena, FedExForum.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will conclude their four-game road trip against the Utah Jazz, while the Grizzlies embark on a four-game road trip, starting against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
