The Golden State Warriors were in dire need of a bounce-back victory, and they delivered in style against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. After a rough first half against the New Orleans Pelicans the previous evening, the Warriors came out with a renewed determination, ensuring they wouldn't let two consecutive games slip away.
In a display of remarkable teamwork, the Warriors saw eight players score in double figures and five players dish out at least four assists, leading to a commanding 133-112 win over the Grizzlies. This victory improved their season record to 31-28, keeping them within striking distance of the Los Angeles Lakers for the coveted 6th seed.
Brandin Podziemski, reflecting on the triumph, emphasized the importance of their defensive intensity from the get-go. "We set the tone on the defensive end to start the game," Podziemski remarked. "We got some easy ones, and although we didn't maintain that momentum in the third quarter, starting strong in each half was key."
The Warriors flipped the script from their sluggish start against the Pelicans, particularly shining in the second quarter with a 40-22 advantage over the Grizzlies, a lead they never relinquished.
Despite dealing with injuries that left them with just nine available players, the Warriors showcased their depth. Rookie Will Richard led the charge with 21 points, closely followed by Podziemski and Gary Payton II, who each contributed 19. The only player not to reach double digits was Malevy Leons, a G-League call-up seeing significant NBA minutes for the first time.
Podziemski highlighted the team's balanced scoring as a recurring theme in their victories. "When we all contribute, it makes things easier," he noted, pointing to similar performances against teams like Denver.
The Warriors shot an impressive 53% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, remarkable figures given the extended minutes many players logged.
Looking ahead, the Warriors have a couple of days to rest before facing the Lakers on Saturday night. With stars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves coming to town, the Warriors will need another complete team effort to secure a win and maintain their momentum.