The Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors kickstarted their second-round series the best way, going into the last minute of action with a short difference, ultimately deciding the game in the final seconds.
These two squads landed at FedEx Forum inspired after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets respectively, giving fans a memorable game that had the competition that the Milwaukee Bucks-Boston Celtics lacked.
It was a hard-fought game, with the Californians taking home the W with a 117-116 result. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson balled out for the Grizzlies, posting 34 and 33 points, respectively, confirming that the Grizzlies duo is ready to make some noise in the Western Conference.
On the other hand, Jordan Poole helped the Warriors with 31 points, while Stephen Curry added 24. This game had everything, big plays, controversies, an ejection and plenty of action from the start to the end. In the end, Klay Thompson made a clutch 3, but then missed two free throws, which opened the door for a controversial play that gave the ball to the Grizzlies.
KILLA KLAY pic.twitter.com/NDAvv4crx5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2022
In the end, Ja Morant failed to make a layup, giving the Warriors the win after a very dramatic game.
NBA fans had a lot to say after watching this match, taking to social media to praise both teams, while also criticizing the referees for making some questionable calls throughout the match.
Bruh ja is nice
— Confused Houston Fan 🙃😕😐 (@Snyphe) May 1, 2022
I’m gonna grow gray hairs by the end of this series
— ً (@JamesTrippinFr) May 1, 2022
ja just can’t play bad against the warriors
— 🏆🌩️° (@ThunderFanIsaac) May 1, 2022
Got me on my toes type shit
— Weezy F Goku (@drop_wop) May 1, 2022
great series incoming
— 6ix man (@TylerHerroCIub) May 1, 2022
These refs are missing every call lmao
— PhilThePayne (@PhilThePayne001) May 1, 2022
Maybe the game of the year so far.
— Dr. Dunk (@DrDunk5) May 1, 2022
I hope we get 6 more games if this
— Justin (@justindullen_) May 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/thezachattack_2/status/1520890550420967427
SCOTT FOSTER REFFING 2 GAMES TODAY???
— bamDPOYabayo SPIDAMAN BOUND (@DPOYbamSZN) May 1, 2022
Warriors would be fucked without Poole
— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) May 1, 2022
the future Vs the present
— 6️⃣ (@WeTheWaptors) May 1, 2022
Amazing game
— 215._Khy (@KhysirA) May 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/rileyj0rd/status/1520894031055622144
Against the Referees, who wrongly ejected Draymond Green and stacked fouls on EVERY Warriors starter by the 2nd quarter…
Warriors prevailed. Great defense by Stephen Curry on Ja Morant at the end of the game. Klay Thompson being who he is.
and Jordan Poole is HIM. Gold in 4 pic.twitter.com/HypvhkuHMm
— rodlo 🪬 (@roddystr) May 1, 2022
Memphis got the refs on their side and still lost the game. pic.twitter.com/SBO68bcjfw
— 77/41 (@Dverxs) May 1, 2022
your telling me the grizzlies had the refs help the entire game and they still couldn’t win? warriors in 4.
— Knicksaremakingplayoffs (@metsareinfirst) May 1, 2022
No Draymond, refs on their side, curry with 7 fouls , ja 40 pts and still lost at home. MemPhrauds
— Jeffery Williams (@ATLWilliamz) May 1, 2022
we just took down the refs & memphis
— Matt ⚜️ (@mlc22_) May 1, 2022
Im just take a shower 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/dp1vsO8taA
— TyFish11 (@TyFish11cc) May 1, 2022
I knew we would win it. Great team effort. I have been touting the bench all year long. We’re deep. What a great game. Loved seeing Wiggs aggressive. Just needs to knock them down! Great D tho!
— Positive Warriors Fan (@Dubs4LifeCrew) May 1, 2022
Klay gotta make those .
Almost gave me a heart attack .
— 🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@LookatChefCurry) May 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/Jari2Fly/status/1520894055906955265
no draymond and refs bailed out the grizzles. WARRIORS IN 6
— brian (@bnguyennn3) May 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/JohnBergeson10/status/1520894812039262208https://twitter.com/Official_JaY7/status/1520894351248805888https://twitter.com/NotBlizzzo/status/1520894150023028738
Memphis had the refs on their side and still choked 😭😭😭😭
— Mert (@ftblmert) May 1, 2022
This was the perfect start to this series. The Warriors and Grizzlies have a big chance to come out of the West this season, but first, they need to beat their current rival and then go through the Phoenix Suns or Dallas Mavericks.
Until the last second, nobody knew who would win and fans of every team surely had a hard time watching those moments. This is why the NBA is one of the best competitions in the world and the playoff is the best time of the year.
Game 2 will take place this Tuesday, and we all expect to see the same level of intensity from both teams.
