Golden State’s Playoff Push Gets a Boost from 35-Year-Old Co-Stars
Steph Curry put on a masterclass Tuesday night, dropping 52 points and draining 12 three-pointers in the Golden State Warriors’ thrilling 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. But while the spotlight rightfully belonged to the 37-year-old superstar, his veteran teammates played a pivotal role in securing the win—proving once again why the Warriors’ championship DNA runs deep.
Curry’s Clutch Performance Elevates Warriors
With just three minutes remaining, Curry’s 12th three-pointer of the night pushed the Warriors ahead by one point. His final shot was as poetic as ever—leaning left, watching the ball splash through the net before walking off with the confidence of a seasoned champion.
Curry finished with:
✅ 52 points (16-of-31 shooting, 12-of-20 from three)
✅ 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals
This performance wasn’t just another scoring explosion—it was a reminder of why Golden State remains a contender in the Western Conference.
Draymond Green’s Court Vision and Butler’s IQ Make the Difference
While Curry delivered the scoring, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler played crucial supporting roles.
Green, in his 13th season alongside Curry, instinctively caught Brandin Podziemski’s pass and immediately found Steph in the left corner—no hesitation, no second-guessing. It’s the kind of chemistry built over a decade of winning.
But it was Butler’s basketball IQ that set the stage. Running along the baseline, he screened Ja Morant and Santi Aldama just enough to give Curry an open look—one of those small, unnoticed plays that make all the difference.
Steve Kerr: “Jimmy Saved Our Season”
After the game, head coach Steve Kerr didn’t mince words about Butler’s impact.
“Jimmy saved our season. The trade saved our season. Everybody knows that. But you watch what he did tonight—12 for 12 from the line, running the offense when Steph was off the floor, playing elite defense. He’s a big-time two-way player.”
Butler, who finished with 27 points (7-of-11 FG, 12-of-12 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, once again proved why he’s built for big moments.
Clutch Plays That Sealed the Win
With two minutes left and the Warriors clinging to a one-point lead, Butler baited Jaren Jackson Jr. into his sixth foul, forcing the Grizzlies’ All-Star big man out of the game. He calmly sank both free throws, extending the lead.
Seconds later, Butler’s defensive instincts struck again—a swipe-down steal on Ja Morant led to Moses Moody’s dagger three-pointer, effectively sealing the game.
“Playoff Jimmy, ya know,” Kerr said postgame. “It’s a real thing. He’s a big-time, big-game performer. His basketball IQ is off the charts. The pump fake on Jaren was the play of the game, to me.”
Draymond Green’s Triple-Double Powers the Warriors
Green added yet another triple-double to his résumé, finishing with:
✔ 13 points
✔ 10 rebounds
✔ 12 assists (five leading to Curry’s threes)
The Warriors are now 31-2 all-time when Green records a triple-double, proving once again how essential he is to their success.
A Playoff Push with Championship DNA
With their veteran trio clicking at the right time, Golden State now holds the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. The path to another deep playoff run looks promising, fueled by a battle-tested core that knows how to win when it matters most.
Curry may be the show’s headliner, but Butler and Green deserve a standing ovation right alongside him.
