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Golden State Warriors can shut rivalry chatter with win over Grizzlies

By Peter O'Keefe

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 09: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on March 09, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 09: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on March 09, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will renew what many label a major rivalry when they visit Memphis to take on the Grizzlies at FedExForum on Saturday. On the second night of a back-to-back and coming off a 127-119 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the defending champions are again teetering dangerously.

The likes of Draymond Green and Stephen Curry have refuted the idea of a Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry, believing it takes a lot more than regular season wins. Golden State defeated Memphis 4-2 in the teams’ only recent playoff matchup, though the Grizzlies did win a lone play-in matchup the year prior.

The Golden State Warriors can shut out any current rivalry chatter should they salute against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.

Memphis got the better of their last contest less than 10 days ago, running away with the game to win it 131-110. Speaking after that game, Green played down the important of a regular season game, claiming “I have a hard time getting out of my bed in March. What’s a game in March?”

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green and Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks have had a war of words recently. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green and Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks have had a war of words recently. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Perhaps that mindset is a major part of Golden State’s issues this season? That’s evident on the road where they’re now a disastrous 7-28 and on a 10-game losing streak. The truth is that Saturday’s matchup is no longer a simple, unimportant game in March.

At 36-35 and back to seventh in the Western Conference, the Warriors are once again dangerously hanging in the play-in mix. Perhaps more concerningly, they’re 0-2 on this road-trip with three further games to come. Still, with Ja Morant remaining out suspended, there’s really no excuse for Golden State should they rightfully take the game seriously.

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The Warriors need to shut the chatter around their perceived rivalry with the Grizzlies, and there’s no better way to do that than quieting the home team and fans themselves. But more than that, they simply need to win to re-establish some momentum and arrest their growing road woes.

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