Golden State returns to the NBA win column after taming Grizzlies

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Golden State Warriors pulled off a convincing wire-to-wire victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, 133-112, in the ongoing NBA regular season on Feb. 26, 2026.

With the lopsided win, Golden State avenged its frustrating loss to the New Orleans Pelicans to officially return to its winning ways.

The win was made sweeter as Golden State showcased its cohesiveness despite the absence of superstars Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis, who were all ruled out due to respective injuries.

Without the presence of their steady anchors, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had to rely on Brandon Podziemski, Gui Santos, Gary Payton Jr., and Al Horford, who all made valuable contributions from start to finish.

Santos kicked off the Golden State rampage in the opening quarter with slick wide-open backdoor cuts to the basket, capped off by Podziemski’s two-way efficiency that helped close the first frame with a narrow advantage.

Picking up where the duo left off were Payton Jr. and Pat Spencer, who ran the show for the second unit that steered the Warriors to their first double-digit lead of the game.

However, it was shooting guard Will Richard who stole the show for Golden State after finding his shooting stroke upon checking in, knocking down three consecutive perimeter pull-up jumpers and a big 3-pointer that ballooned the Warriors’ cushion to 21 points heading into the second half.

The second quarter alone was more than enough to put the Grizzlies back in their den as the Warriors fired on all cylinders, wrapping up the win with 19 made 3-pointers and an efficient 16-of-19 shooting from the free throw line.

Memphis tried to claw its way back at the start of the fourth after Ty Jerome and GG Jackson combined for an early 14-2 run in the first three minutes of the final frame, but a counterattack from Richard woke up the Warriors, putting the Grizzlies back in their place for good.

Richard was impressive in the win, recording his second-best offensive performance for the Warriors this season with 21 points built from 9-of-15 shooting, alongside six assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

Podziemski, who notched a double-double during the loss against New Orleans, maintained his all-around efficiency and nearly tallied a triple-double of 19 markers, eight boards, and six dimes.

Golden State will have a much-needed long period of recovery before returning to the NBA hardwood on March 1, 2026, against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers.

On the other hand, the rebuilding Memphis squad fell to its third straight loss and will have the chance to snap its skid on Feb. 28, 2026, against the Dallas Mavericks.