Memphis continues to assert itself as a force in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies won their 10th straight game with a 116-108 victory over Golden State on Tuesday — their longest winning streak of the season (29-14).
They are the only team to defeat the Warriors (30-10) twice this season. Memphis is 3.5 games behind Phoenix for the best record in the West.
Advertisement
Point guard Ja Morant led Memphis with 29 points and eight assists, building on his strong candidacy to be a first-time All-Star this season. Rookie Ziare Williams added a season-high 17 points and guard Tyus Jones had 17 points off the bench.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with a triple-double — 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
(Photo: Joe Murphy / NBAE via Getty Images)
GO DEEPER
Five observations: Klay Thompson impresses, but Warriors can’t contain Ja Morant in loss to Grizzlies
Why does this team give the Warriors problems?
Anthony Slater, Warriors senior writer: They're long, young, speedy and active on defense. Those types of teams force turnovers. If you can turn the Warriors over, you should have a successful night against them because you'll have a much easier time scoring against their scrambling transition defense than their league-best halfcourt defense.
Memphis had 20 points off turnovers in the first half while the Warriors had zero. That's a problem for the Warriors almost any time they play the Grizzlies.
Are the Grizzlies a legit contender to win the West this season?
Zach Harper, NBA staff writer: The road ahead of them is so tough because they haven't proven they're on the playoff level of a Golden State or Phoenix or even Utah just yet. But the Grizzlies have been the best defensive team in basketball over the last 24 games.
Morant is playing like an All-NBA lock, and they still have role players they can get more from. The Grizzlies feel a lot like what the Hawks did last year, so maybe conference finals and contention is around the corner.