The Golden State Warriors have shown everyone why they traded for Jimmy Butler. It was for times like this. “Playoff Jimmy” has officially arrived.
Butler started the game strong, scoring 10 points in the first quarter and helping the Warriors jump out to a 31-25 lead. “Playoff Jimmy” continued his hot play in the second quarter, adding 11 more points to give the Warriors a 67-55 halftime lead.
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The Memphis Grizzlies weren’t going to just bow down to the Warriors, however. They battled back strong in the third quarter, constantly attacking the hoop and tearing up the Warriors’ defense.
The Grizzlies had a great third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 36-27 to cut the Warriors’ once 20-point lead to just three points. It wasn’t all great, however.
Halfway through the third quarter, the Grizzlies’ star player, Ja Morant, rolled his ankle and had to leave the game momentarily. Even with the Warriors’ lead slashed to 94-91 heading into the fourth, Butler continued his stellar play.
The former Miami Heat star scored 13 more points in the third, giving himself 36 points after three quarters. Butler was playing great, but Warriors fans had their eyes on the franchise star, Stephen Curry.
Curry didn’t disappoint. The greatest three-point shooter of all time scored 37 points, including 15 huge fourth quarter points. He also nailed four clutch free-throws in the final seconds of the game.
Morant did return from his ankle injury, but his 22 points weren’t enough to stop Curry’s clutch shooting and the emergence of “Playoff Jimmy.” The Warriors finally won a Play-In game, 121-116, thanks to 38 points from Butler and Curry’s 37.
The Warriors now move into the seventh spot out West to play the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies will await the winner of the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks game for another shot at clinching a playoff berth.
The Grizzlies will have to play better if they want to secure that final spot. One thing is for sure: they won’t have to go up against the legends that are Stephen Curry and “Playoff Jimmy” Butler.
