The 30-9 Golden State Warriors welcomed their star shooting guard Klay Thompson back into the fold on Sunday. Thompson scored 17 points in 20 minutes and helped the Warriors to a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But now, the Warriors have a big test on the road Tuesday night. Golden State travels to Memphis to take on Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are currently 28-14 and the fourth seed in the western conference.
So far this year these teams are 1-1 against each other. Plus, the Warriors should have tons of momentum coming off that emotional win in Thompson’s return. The Grizzlies are one of the top offensive teams in the league, with an offensive rating of 112.2 ranking fourth in the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors will have the challenge of humbling a young, up-and-coming team in their match against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis also ranks 11th in pace this year, meaning they like to push the ball and score fast. As previously mentioned the Grizzlies are led by Ja Morant who is having a breakout season. Morant is averaging 24.7 points per game to go with 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He also may be the most athletic player in the NBA,
JA MORANT 🤯
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2022
ONE OF THE MOST ATHLETIC BLOCKS YOU’LL EVER SEE. pic.twitter.com/mSBEajPDtK
The Grizzlies as a team do not attempt a lot of three-pointers (33 per game ranking 23rd) but they do have a really good three-point shooter in Desmond Bane. Bane is fourth in the NBA in made three-pointers with 122, he is shooting 43% from the three-point line as well.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1480622149446610957?s=20
To go along with their offensive firepower they are a great rebounding team. With an average of 48.3 rebounds per game, the Grizzlies are the top rebounding team in the league. But, it appears they will be without their top rebounder Steven Adams in this game due to health and safety protocols.
Memphis is also the hottest team in the NBA. They have won nine straight games including wins over the Nets, Suns, and Lakers.
Kevon Looney and hopefully a healthy Draymond Green will both be huge factors in this game due to their rebounding ability and Green’s defensive prowess. Looney is coming off a career-high 18 rebounds against Cleveland. Green is currently dealing with a calf injury but the Warriors are hoping he can play on Tuesday.
This will be a big test for Klay in his second game back. He is still trying to get his legs under him but he will need to be strong defensively against Morant and Bane to help slow down a top offense.
At the end of the day, the Warriors will go as Stephen Curry goes. Steph started Sunday’s game 4/4 from three but cooled off substantially after that. The way he is being subbed out of games could have a factor on his hot/cold streaks.
I would like to see Steve Kerr allow Steph to play on his old rotations where he would play the entire first and third quarter and half of the second and fourth. But, I suppose with Klay returning it will take some time to find out the best possible rotation patterns.
Curry is averaging 41 points, 6 assists and 5.5 rebounds against Memphis this year, and their so-called “Steph-stopper” Dillon Brooks is out with a left ankle injury. I expect Steph to break out of his shooting slump in this game and lead the Warriors to a huge victory.