Butler and Curry Shine as Warriors Outlast Grizzlies in Play-In Classic
The Golden State Warriors are headed back to the playoffs after a high-octane 121–116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a Western Conference Play-In showdown that delivered every bit of drama, intensity and star power fans had hoped for.
Jimmy Butler, in only his second month with the Warriors, played his best game since arriving from Miami, erupting for 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to stamp his mark on a game that will long be remembered as a turning point in Golden State’s turbulent season. Stephen Curry was, as always, the closer—pouring in 37 points, including a pair of daggers from deep and clutch free throws that sealed the contest in the final seconds.
The win not only secured the seventh seed for Golden State but also set up a mouth-watering first-round matchup with the high-flying Houston Rockets. For a team that stumbled through inconsistency and injury in 2025, the moment was pure validation.
“It took 83 games, but we’re right where we want to be,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “Back in the playoffs, and we’ve got a chance.”
From the tip, it was clear Golden State had a point to prove. The Warriors had previously gone winless in play-in scenarios and had been eliminated by Memphis at Chase Center back in 2021. But this time around, the combination of championship experience and Butler’s relentless drive proved too much for the Grizzlies.
Momentum Shifts, Key Moments & Star Turns
The Warriors came out firing in the first quarter, jumping to a 31–18 lead behind four straight scoring possessions orchestrated by Butler. Whether it was a slicing dunk from Gary Payton II, a corner three from Quinten Post, or a powerful three-point play from Butler himself, Golden State’s offence was clicking early.
But Memphis didn’t fade. Led by Desmond Bane (30 points) and Ja Morant (22 points), the Grizzlies clawed back into the game by halftime and threatened to snatch the lead several times throughout the second half. Rookie sensation Zach Edey was a force inside, grabbing 17 rebounds to go with 14 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 of his own.
Morant had a scare in the third quarter when he rolled his ankle on a drive, but he bounced back with a gutsy three-point play that brought Memphis within one. That would be as close as they’d come.
Butler then grabbed a timely steal and raced for a dunk that swung the momentum back to Golden State—one of many big-time plays from a player proving he’s still very much “Playoff Jimmy.” Curry, who was constantly harassed by defenders and went just 9-for-22 from the field, still found a way to deliver in crunch time. He sank a baseline three with 1:50 to play, another from the left wing a minute later, and calmly buried four free throws to put the game to bed.
Betting Takeaways: Predictions That Delivered
For bettors following America Bet’s pre-game analysis, Tuesday night provided some thrilling validation.
Winning Bet Highlights:
✅ Golden State Warriors to Win – Locked in
✅ Over 226.5 Total Points – Total hit 237, making this a profitable call
✅ Curry to Make 4+ Three-Pointers – Nailed
✅ Butler Over 5.5 Rebounds – He grabbed 7
✅ Desmond Bane Over 2.5 Three-Pointers – Bane’s perimeter threat was clear
❌ Golden State to Win Both Halves – Memphis edged the second quarter
❌ Grizzlies Under 110.5 – Slight miss, they put up 116
❌ Warriors -6.5 Handicap – Game was closer than expected
✅ Butler to Outscore Curry (implied by alternative props) – Edge goes to Butler: 38 vs. 37
While the scoreline was tighter than anticipated, the key insights into Golden State’s veteran edge and Memphis’ defensive gaps held firm. In particular, those who bet on Butler’s all-around impact and the overall points market were handsomely rewarded.
For the Warriors, the focus now shifts to the Rockets—a young and energetic team that earned the second seed in the West. Houston’s athleticism and depth will be a test, but Golden State now carries the confidence of stars in sync and a roster ready for postseason grind.
Memphis, meanwhile, must reset quickly. They’ll return home for a do-or-die matchup against the winner of the Mavericks-Kings game. The Grizzlies are battered but not broken—if Morant’s ankle holds up and their bigs dominate the paint, they’ll still be dangerous.
But this night belonged to Golden State. To Curry. And most of all, to Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors gambled big at the trade deadline. On Tuesday night, they cashed in.
