Curry, Butler Shine as Warriors Edge Grizzlies in Play-In Battle

• Apr 16, 2025

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 75 points to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in Tuesday night’s NBA play-in game, keeping their championship hopes alive.

Butler led the team with 38 points, while Curry followed closely with 37. Their strong offensive showing was key to Golden State’s win, especially with limited support from the rest of the roster. Gary Payton II and Quinten Post were the only other Warriors players to score in double figures, with 12 and 11 points respectively. No other player had more than nine.

Butler’s performance continued his reputation as "Playoff Jimmy," a nickname he earned during his time with the Miami Heat. He acknowledged Curry’s role in the Warriors’ legacy after the game, saying, “I know I want to win a championship so he needs, his what, this would be No. 5?”

Curry, who hit six three-pointers and went 9-of-22 from the field, had recently dropped 52 points on the Grizzlies in one of the final regular-season games. After the play-in victory, he told ESPN there was a "sense of relief" knowing the team still had a shot at the title.

Golden State’s head coach Steve Kerr expressed how crucial the win was for the team, saying, “We desperately needed to win this game and get four days [off]. Our guys have basically been playing knockout games for about three weeks.”

The Warriors will now face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Kerr added, “It took 83 games, but we are right where we want to be. Which is back in the playoffs and we got a chance.”

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies’ postseason path has gotten tougher. They must now win one more game to claim the final playoff spot. Their opponent will be the winner of the Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks matchup.

The Warriors’ win means their journey toward another NBA title is still alive, powered by two of their biggest stars at just the right time.