Warriors vs. Grizzlies score, highlights: Golden State’s trademark run shows depth that could help come playoff time

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors have not needed to make use of their trademark third-quarter runs fairly often this season — they have been doing simply high quality constructing large leads by halftime — however on Monday they reminded us simply how devastating these barrages may be. After a good first half, Golden State blitzed the Memphis Grizzlies within the third quarter en path to a 117-101 win at Oracle Enviornment. The Warriors held Grizzlies All-Stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley to only 17 mixed factors, although Gasol did almost have a triple-double with eight factors, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. And that defensive effort was principally with out Draymond Inexperienced, who did not return for the second half after struggling a foot contusion early within the sport. Listed here are some takeaways from the sport. Gradual and regular The Grizzlies got here into Monday’s matchup with the Warriors enjoying on the second-slowest tempo within the NBA, and earlier than the sport coach JB Bickerstaff burdened the significance of sustaining that tempo in the event that they had been going to have a shot. Within the first half, they achieved their purpose, selectively pushing the ball up court docket however principally enjoying a deliberate sport, with a whole lot of the two-man sport, dribble hand-offs and post-ups. They held the Warriors to 58 first-half factors, an accomplishment given Golden State got here into the sport averaging 74 factors within the first half over their previous three video games. The rating was tied on the half, and it appeared just like the Grizzlies had executed their sport plan fairly nicely. However then … Similar script, completely different gamers With Inexperienced within the locker room and Memphis trying prefer it may make a sport of issues, the Warriors went on one in every of their trademark third-quarter assaults, a 14-0 run to construct a 19-point lead going into the fourth quarter. After all Kevin Durant and Steph Curry had been closely concerned, however reserve large man Kevon Looney was an unsung hero of the run, getting offensive rebounds and ending repeatedly in site visitors. He completed the sport with 9 factors and 9 rebounds, doing most of his injury within the third quarter. Simply when it appeared just like the Grizzlies may begin to shut the hole, Alfonzo McKinnie buried a nook 3-pointer from nearly behind the basket, inflicting Oracle to erupt. He continued thrilling the gang with stellar defensive performs and a breakaway dunk within the fourth quarter, and he completed the sport with 14 factors on 2 of three 3-pointers, to go together with three assists. Steve Kerr has talked in regards to the vitality that the younger gamers have delivered to this season’s model of the Warriors, and it was on show Monday evening. Klay day Properly, he did not set an NBA file for 3-pointers, nevertheless it was clear from the beginning of the sport that Klay Thompson was feeling it. After the Warriors’ third-quarter run, Thompson took over with Curry and Durant on the bench, increasing the lead and turning the sport into a licensed blowout. Thompson completed with a game-high 27 factors on 11-of-21 capturing from the sphere, together with 3-for-7 from 3-point vary. Grit N’ Grind again within the playoffs? You will not see Tony Allen or Zach Randolph on the court docket, however the Grizzlies look the a part of a Western Convention playoff contender. They lack the offensive firepower to maintain up with a group such because the Warriors (they don’t seem to be alone on this regard), however Conley and Gasol will make them loads of wins this season, offered they’ll keep wholesome. Bickerstaff known as the duo a steadying power on a group that has a whole lot of new elements, and stated Conley’s management expertise make his job a lot simpler. Jaren Jackson Jr. is already contributing regardless of his comparatively uncooked talent set, and the veteran supporting forged is chocked stuffed with function gamers. It is crowded out West, however it could be silly to depend the Grizz out. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/warriors-vs-grizzlies-score-highlights-golden-states-trademark-run-shows-depth-that-could-help-come-playoff-time/