By Deanna Frater
To many, this was just a play-in game for the Warriors. But to some, it was a flashback—and a warning.
Many fans have counted out Stephen Curry and the Warriors, claiming they’ve aged out of relevance. Yet, the team still secured a win against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night (121-116). The Warriors managed to remind the league and fans why experience will always be one of the most dangerous assets a franchise can have in the postseason.
But no one is saying the game was pretty.
The Warriors almost blew their 20-point lead, letting Memphis back into the game. The Grizzlies were pressing forward, and both Curry and Butler took that personally. Butler led the way with 38 points, and Curry followed close behind (37).
Though the game was chaotic at times, it showed that the NBA still has the grit and thrill factor that enthralled fans decades ago. Above all, it was proof that even though Golden State isn’t the league’s top seed anymore, they’re still built for the moments that matter most.
The Core Clock Still Ticks
One of the key takeaways from this game is that the Warriors’ core, led by Curry (and now Butler), still knows how to close. Even in moments when it seemed as if the pendulum was swinging in Memphis’ favor, Golden State kept its cool. That level of composure isn’t just rare—it’s earned.
Curry’s late-game dominance was about more than making shots, it was about controlling the rhythm of the game. Sure, the Grizzlies had speed and athleticism. But the Warriors had control.
And if six rings for the Warriors tells you anything, it’s that control matters most.
The Long Game
That being said, only two players outside of Curry and Butler were able to score in the double digits—Gary Payton II and Quinten Post. Though this performance may have won the Warriors this game, it won’t hold up in a seven-game series against a team like the Houston Rockets.
If the Warriors want to keep progressing this postseason, they’ll need more consistency from players like Jonathan Kuminga and Jaylen Wells. The league is getting undeniably younger, faster, and deeper by the year—and truthfully, Golden State has very little margin for error.
Underdog Energy Still Reigns Supreme
Right now, the Warriors are in a space they haven’t been in since before their dynasty days: the underdog position.
There’s something dangerous within that. Maybe it’s the weight of legacy or the mutual respect between Curry and Butler, because Curry is playing for more than just to make the playoffs. He’s playing to add another chapter to an already legendary career and the heritage of the Warriors franchise.
Critics will say the Warriors barely scraped past the Grizzlies—and that’s fair. But winning ugly is still winning. If the play-in has taught us anything, it’s that Golden State still knows how to survive. And survival is the name of the game.
Golden State Shines On
Though the NBA has proven to be a league that prioritizes what’s next over what’s proven, the Warriors serve as a reminder that championship DNA doesn’t just fade overnight.
They may not be the most explosive or the youngest team left in the postseason, but they’re certainly the most experienced. When the game slows down and every possession matters, that might just be enough.
You can go ahead and bet on teams with young and flashy players, but don’t be surprised when Golden State proves they’ll forever shine on.
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