Battered Warriors survive unsightly game to overcome rugged Grizzlies

Battered Warriors survive unsightly game to overcome rugged Grizzlies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Over the course of an 82-game NBA season, there are bound to be nights when winning is secondary to survival.

The Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies played such a game Friday night at Chase Center, and Golden State’s 123-118 victory was as much about its perseverance and ability to absorb punishment as outplaying the opponent.

Everything was a struggle. For both teams. The paint was a dark alley between mean streets. The action, with three- and four-man scrums, countless collisions and bodies bouncing off the floor, became a test of wills and composure.

One clue to the grotesque nature of this game is that by the fourth quarter things devolved into full-blown rugby activity. The teams combined for 49 free throws in the second half, 21 for the Warriors and 29 for the Grizzlies.

Kerr declined to address the officiating, but found an avenue with which he could comfortably express his displeasure.

“It was just kind of disgusting,” coach Steve Kerr said, his ire barely submerged. “The last quarter-and-a-half was disgusting. I felt bad for our fans having to watch what transpired.

“But great win. We’ll take the win and move forward.”

Another clue to the choppy atmosphere is that six Warriors scored in double figures, topped by Buddy Hield’s 18 points. Moses Moody had 14 and Stephen Curry finished with 13, as did Andrew Wiggins and Green. Brandin Podziemski added 11. The scoring was as scattered as the game.

“We got the win, and that’s all that matters,” said Green, who also declined to discuss officials but did say he neither received nor needed an explanation for the second technical foul that led to his ejection with 1:14 remaining.

Lindy Waters III got his second start of the season and didn’t make it out of the first half. After rising to block a layup attempt by Memphis forward Santi Aldama, Waters landed awkwardly on his left leg. He remained on the floor for about a minute before being helped up limping into the locker room with what was diagnosed as a hyperextended…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/battered-warriors-survive-unsightly-game-071409035.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-11-16 07:14:00

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