Introduction: Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
The December 19, 2024, matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors wasn’t just another game on the NBA calendar—it was a collision of ideologies. The Grizzlies, a young, ferocious squad built on athleticism and defensive tenacity , faced off against the Warriors, a dynasty defined by sharpshooting , unselfish play , and championship pedigree . With both teams jockeying for position in the hyper-competitive Western Conference, this game carried weight beyond the standings. The final score—Memphis 124, Golden State 120 in overtime —barely scratches the surface of a contest filled with jaw-dropping individual performances, tactical chess matches, and momentum swings that left fans breathless.
Table of Contents
Team Overviews: Contrasting Philosophies
Memphis Grizzlies: The New Guard’s Blueprint
Under coach Taylor Jenkins , the Grizzlies have crafted an identity centered on speed , physicality , and versatility . By December 2024, they boasted the league’s 3rd-ranked defense (106.1 defensive rating) and led the NBA in fast-break points (18.4 per game). Their engine? Ja Morant , the 25-year-old supernova who combines Russell Westbrook-like explosiveness with Chris Paul-esque court vision . Alongside him, Jaren Jackson Jr. (the NBA’s leading shot-blocker in 2023-24) anchors a defense that thrives on disrupting opponents’ rhythm.
The Grizzlies’ strategy against the Warriors was clear: attack the paint , force turnovers , and limit Golden State’s transition opportunities . Their ability to score 56 points in the paint (compared to Golden State’s 40) highlighted their commitment to this approach.
Golden State Warriors: The Evolution of a Dynasty
The Warriors, meanwhile, entered the game as the NBA’s ultimate paradox: a team blending aging legends with newfound adaptability . At 39, Stephen Curry remained the heartbeat, averaging 27.1 points and 6.5 assists per game, while Draymond Green (34 years old) continued to redefine the modern forward role with his elite playmaking (7.8 assists per game) and defensive versatility . The offseason addition of Chris Paul (39) added another layer, giving Golden State a floor general to stabilize the second unit and mentor younger players like Jonathan Kuminga .
Against Memphis, the Warriors leaned into their motion-heavy offense , ranking 1st in three-point attempts (42.3 per game) and 3rd in assist ratio (65.2%). Their game plan focused on exploiting mismatches (targeting Morant in pick-and-roll defense) and controlling tempo to neutralize Memphis’ transition game.
Player Stats: The Stars, the Surprises, and the Unsung Heroes
Point Guard Showdown: Morant vs. Curry
The battle between Ja Morant and Stephen Curry was a microcosm of the game itself: youth vs. experience , athleticism vs. skill .
- Ja Morant’s Dominance:
Morant’s stat line—38 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 16 free-throw attempts —was a masterclass in carrying a team. He repeatedly exploited Golden State’s switch-heavy defense , using his blazing first step to collapse the paint and create open looks for teammates like Desmond Bane (6 threes) and Xavier Tillman (10 rebounds). His clutch gene shone brightest in overtime, where he scored or assisted on 8 of Memphis’ 12 points. - Stephen Curry’s Counterpunch:
Curry, ever the maestro, countered with 32 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds , drilling 7-of-15 three-pointers . His off-ball movement (1.26 points per possession via screens) and gravity forced Memphis into defensive rotations that opened lanes for teammates like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul . A late-game sequence—back-to-back step-back threes to tie the game at 108—showcased his MVP-level clutch prowess .
Frontcourt Chess Match: Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Draymond Green
- Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Two-Way Impact:
Jackson’s 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks were pivotal. Defensively, he neutralized Kevon Looney and Jonathan Kuminga in the post, altering shots with his 7’5” wingspan . Offensively, he punished smaller lineups with face-up jumpers (4/7 from midrange) and pick-and-pop chemistry with Morant. - Draymond Green’s Playmaking Brilliance:
Green’s 12 assists and 8 rebounds underscored his role as Golden State’s quarterback , but his 3/9 shooting and struggles in space against Jackson highlighted the Grizzlies’ defensive strategy. His defensive lapses in transition (partially responsible for Memphis’ 24 fast-break points) were a rare blemish.
Supporting Cast: Role Players Step Up
- Desmond Bane’s Sniper Role:
Bane’s 24 points on 6-of-10 three-point shooting were a clinic in off-ball movement. He punished Golden State’s drop coverage by relocating to the corners and draining catch-and-shoot threes at a 48% clip this season. - Chris Paul’s Quiet Mastery:
Paul’s 10 assists and 0 turnovers in 32 minutes exemplified his “Point God” reputation . He orchestrated the second unit with calculated pace , often slowing the game to offset Memphis’ athleticism. - Jonathan Kuminga’s Growth:
Starting in place of the rested Andrew Wiggins , Kuminga contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds , but his 3 turnovers and defensive missteps against Morant revealed his inexperience.
Key Moments: How the Game Unfolded
First Quarter: Warriors’ Hot Start
Golden State raced to a 35-28 lead behind Curry’s 15 points and 6 assists . The Warriors’ ball movement (9 assists on 13 made field goals) and three-point shooting (6/12) exploited Memphis’ early defensive lapses.
Second Quarter: Memphis’ Defensive Adjustments
The Grizzlies switched to a zone defense , stifling Golden State’s half-court offense. A 18-4 run —fueled by Morant’s 12 points and Jackson’s 3 blocks —gave Memphis a 56-53 halftime lead .
Third Quarter: Curry’s Counterattack
Curry erupted for 14 points in the third, including 4 threes , to reclaim momentum. The Warriors’ small-ball lineup (with Kuminga at center) stretched the lead to 85-78 .
Fourth Quarter and Overtime: Morant’s Heroics
With the game tied at 108 and 3 minutes left, Morant took over:
- Driving layup over Curry (110-108).
- Step-back three off a screen (113-110).
- Dish to Bane for a corner three (116-110).
Curry’s late threes forced overtime, but Morant’s 8 overtime points sealed the win.
Advanced Metrics: The Hidden Stories
Efficiency and Pace
- Memphis’ Offensive Rating: 112.1 (below their 114.5 season average), hampered by 16 turnovers .
- Golden State’s Offensive Rating: 118.4 (above their 115.2 average), powered by 24 three-point attempts .
Defensive Struggles
- The Warriors allowed 124 points , a season high, due to Memphis’ 56 paint points and 26 second-chance points .
- The Grizzlies held Golden State to 40.9% shooting in the clutch (last 5 minutes).
Clutch Performance
- Morant: 8 points, 2 assists on 4/5 shooting in clutch minutes.
- Curry: 6 points but 1 turnover in the final 3 minutes.
Injuries and Adjustments: The X-Factors
Memphis’ Absences
- Steven Adams’ Knee Injury: Forced Tillman into extended minutes. His 10 rebounds were crucial, but his lack of rim protection (compared to Adams) cost Memphis 8 points in the paint.
Golden State’s Rest Strategy
- Andrew Wiggins’ Rest Day: Kuminga’s 14 points couldn’t offset his defensive limitations. The Warriors missed Wiggins’ wing defense and transition scoring .
Post-Game Reactions: Quotes and Insights
- Ja Morant: “We’re not just young and reckless anymore. We grind defensively , and that’s how we win ugly.”
- Draymond Green: “Ja’s a problem. You give him space, he dunks on you. You crowd him, he finds shooters. No answer .”
- Steve Kerr (GSW Coach): “We competed, but Memphis’ physicality and second efforts were the difference.”
Looking Ahead: Playoff Preview?
This game reinforced the Grizzlies’ status as legitimate contenders , while exposing the Warriors’ reliance on Curry’s heroics . Key takeaways:
- Memphis must tighten half-court offense (21.4% ISO frequency, 22nd in NBA).
- Golden State needs Thompson to rediscover his rhythm (38% 3PT in December) and Green to contribute more offensively.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
December 19, 2024, wasn’t just a win for Memphis—it was a statement. The Grizzlies’ blend of youth and discipline contrasts beautifully with the Warriors’ veteran savvy , setting the stage for a decade-defining rivalry . As Morant ascends and Curry defies Father Time, their next meeting promises even more fireworks.
Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 124, Golden State Warriors 120 (OT)
Star of the Game: Ja Morant (38 PTS, 10 AST, 5 REB, 16 FTA)
Also read – Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats: Nov 8, 2024
