Quick Read
- The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 121-116 to secure the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
- Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry combined for 75 points in the win.
- The Magic beat the Hawks 120-95, earning the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.
- The Grizzlies and Hawks have one more chance to advance in their respective conferences.
- The first-round playoff matchups are set: Warriors vs. Rockets and Magic vs. Celtics.
Warriors Edge Grizzlies to Claim No. 7 Seed
The Golden State Warriors secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a thrilling 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday’s NBA Play-In Tournament. The win sets up a first-round matchup against the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets.
Jimmy Butler, acquired by the Warriors in February, delivered a standout performance, scoring 38 points on 12-of-20 shooting and adding seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Steph Curry complemented Butler’s effort with 37 points, including six three-pointers and a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. The duo combined for 75 points, propelling Golden State to victory.
Memphis faced significant challenges throughout the game, including a brief absence of star guard Ja Morant due to an apparent ankle injury. Despite returning in the fourth quarter, Morant was visibly limited, finishing with 22 points. The Grizzlies had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds but were called for a critical five-second violation, sealing their defeat.
Grizzlies Look Ahead to Do-or-Die Game
The Grizzlies now turn their attention to Friday’s elimination game against the winner of Wednesday’s Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings matchup. The victor of that game will claim the West’s No. 8 seed and face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Morant, addressing concerns about his ankle, stated, “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different.” Memphis will need a fully healthy Morant and improved defensive execution to keep their season alive.
Magic Dominate Hawks to Clinch No. 7 Seed
In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic cruised to a 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, securing the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Orlando’s success was driven by its defensive prowess. Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, and Wendell Carter Jr. anchored the defense, disrupting Atlanta’s offense and contesting shots effectively. The Magic held the Hawks to just 4-of-21 shooting from beyond the arc.
Despite shooting only 28% from three-point range themselves, the Magic built a commanding 61-47 halftime lead and never looked back. Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz led the scoring effort, while the team’s defensive intensity ensured a comfortable win.
Hawks Face Elimination Game
The Hawks will face the winner of Wednesday’s Play-In game between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls on Friday. A victory would earn Atlanta the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Trae Young, who scored 28 points in the loss to Orlando, will need more support from his teammates to extend Atlanta’s season.
What Lies Ahead
With the Play-In Tournament nearing its conclusion, the playoff picture is taking shape. The Warriors will face a young and energetic Rockets team in the first round, while the Magic prepare for a challenging series against the Celtics. Both Memphis and Atlanta have one last chance to secure their spots in the postseason, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups later this week.
As the playoffs begin, fans can expect intense competition and standout performances from the league’s top players. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA postseason unfolds.</p