Memphis hands Golden State its fifth-worst loss in franchise history

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Memphis Grizzlies just recorded their most dominant win of the ongoing NBA regular season after annihilating the Golden State Warriors by 51 points, 144-93, on December 20, 2024.

With the lopsided victory, the Grizzlies just dealt Golden State its fifth-worst loss in their entire franchise history, equalizing the record that the Boston Celtics made way back in 1961.

From the get-go, the Grizzlies immediately pounced on the Warriors after establishing an early 23-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

Up by a commanding cushion, Memphis’ confidence doubled when the second quarter kicked off as they capitalized on Golden State’s three-point shooting woes.

The Grizzlies entered the matchup with a great defensive adjustment, neutralizing the Warriors’ ability to spread the floor and shoot from the outside.

As a result, Memphis pushed the ball every time they pulled down the defensive board and out-ran Golden State in the fast break points department.

At the end of the game, the Grizzlies had a huge lead and dominated the fast break points, 22-4, and recorded 31 markers off turnovers.

Despite several adjustments that the Warriors executed in hopes of keeping themselves within striking distance, the Grizzlies spoiled their locker room pep talk and frustrated their Western Conference rival with another demoralizing offensive avalanche.

In the third, Memphis had their best offensive showing in the game, scoring 40 points in just 12 minutes highlighted by their waxing hot shooting from downtown.

It was a tale of two fates as Memphis came out firing from the parking lot, cashing in 27 out of their 48 total attempts while Golden State had a dismal 12/36 shooting from three.

The Warriors couldn’t do anything as Memphis’ lead got out of hand, ballooning their advantage to as much as 57 points in the entire game.

Santi Aldama led the way for the Grizzlies as the young two-way forward recorded a double-double in just 24 minutes of playing time.

The Spanish star tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, on his way to a second-best +/- stat-line together with Jarren Jackson Jr. who also balled out with 17 markers, six boards, and five dimes.

Desmond Bane was also efficient in the win, dropping 15 points built from three treys alongside seven assists, four rebounds, two rejections, and an interception.

On the other hand, Golden State’s franchise player, Stephen Curry, had his worst performance of the year after only contributing two points in the loss.

The veteran shooter failed to convert a single attempt out of his seven tries and ended the disappointing night with two points, three rebounds, and an assist.