Warriors Advance with Butler’s Star Performance Over Grizzlies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Golden State Warriors secured a spot in the NBA playoffs on April 15, 2025, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in a tightly contested play-in game at Chase Center. Jimmy Butler III shone with a game-high 38 points, complemented by Stephen Curry‘s 37, propelling the Warriors forward.

The exciting late-game drama saw the Warriors, who were trailing at times during the match, recover from a 20-point deficit, showcasing their resilience. Butler, who recently joined the Warriors via trade, was instrumental in the victory, demonstrating his scoring prowess and playmaking ability in high-pressure moments.

“We’ve got a hell of a Batman in Steph,” said Butler, referring to Curry’s crucial late-game efforts. “We did what we were supposed to do, finally.” Curry added depth to the scoring, especially during the final moments with back-to-back three-pointers that sealed the game.

The Warriors, entering the game as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, now advance to face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. This marks an important milestone for Golden State, especially considering their recent struggles and the pressure of the play-in tournament format.

On the other side, the Grizzlies were led by Desmond Bane, who scored 30 points and played a vital role in attempting to mount a comeback. Ja Morant, battling through an ankle injury sustained late in the game, contributed 22 points despite being somewhat limited.

“We showed a lot of fight,” said Bane. “But it just wasn’t enough in the end.” Memphis, after a strong start to the season, now awaits the outcome of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings game to determine their next opponent for a second chance at advancing in the playoffs.

Throughout the game, both teams delivered a display of skill and tenacity. The Warriors shot 48.8% from the field, while the Grizzlies shot 45.9%. Golden State’s four-point edge in three-pointers (46.2% to 34.9%) proved crucial to their success, as did their ability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities.

The match culminated in a tense finale where the Grizzlies, within striking distance, fell victim to a crucial five-second violation during their final possession, resulting in a lost opportunity to tie or win the game.

“We just needed a little more execution down the stretch,” said Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo. “We fought so hard to get back into this game, and we had a chance to take it.”

As both teams reflect on their season trajectories, the Warriors will look to carry their winning momentum into the playoffs while the Grizzlies must regroup quickly for a do-or-die matchup later this week.