MEMPHIS — Moments After the Memphis GrizzliesThe were destroyed Golden State WarriorsKeep their season alive Ja MorantHis teammates started to chant a song that gained momentum.
After Memphis beat Golden State 134 to 95 in Game 5, Morant, the injured, chanted “Grizz in seven” to keep the Western Conference semifinal series in San Francisco. The Warriors lead was cut to 3-2.
Morant was cheered on by a few teammates, but he made sure that everyone understood his message. Morant was a good sport. Brandon ClarkeMorant grabbed the microphone as he was giving a postgame interview and said, “Grizz in seven!”
The Grizzlies dominated Warriors even without their star point guard who was sidelined for the second consecutive game with a bone bruise on his right knee. They led by as much as 55 points, and their 39-point win tied for the third-largest win when facing elimination in NBA postseason history, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
The Grizzlies feel that they are reborn and have the hope to win again to force a Game 7 in Memphis.
Forward Dillon Brooks said. “We are locked in, and all eyes are on Game 6. You must continue to survive.”
The Grizzlies blew a one point game open, turning it into a 77-50 lead at halftime in just 13 minutes. Memphis scored 25 points on 14 Golden State turnovers, and had 36 points in a half.
Warriors guard: “It was terrible.” Klay ThompsonHe suffered the second-largest defeat in a game that he played. Stephen CurryAnd Draymond GreenAll played together
It was embarrassing. They had great flow from the first tip and were much more aggressive than we. … While we all thought that we would win, sometimes it was more difficult to keep the game alive. [isn’t]We played like we were playing with a shell of ourselves, which was an exact science.”
The Grizzlies opened third quarter with a remarkable 42-14 run. Their lead grew to 119–64 with 40 seconds remaining. Golden State is worse off. Otto Porter Jr.Due to right knee soreness, he was out of the second half.
Curry was asked what went wrong with the Warriors and he replied “Everything”.
Green stated, “Down 55, down five, lost 55, lost 55, lost five, lost five, we lost five — it was a loss.” “It is one game in a series of losses. Do not overthink it.
This was just another example for the Grizzlies of rallying with their floor general. Memphis improved to 21-6 in this season without Morant.
Guard: “We feel like we have not necessarily been in doubt, but we have exceeded our expectations.” Desmond BaneWhen asked about the belief of the Grizzlies that they can turn around this series, he replied: “Even since I’ve been here, it seems almost like every time someone thinks they can’t do it, we end up accomplishing it. This team can do anything. I don’t want to limit it. ‘Cause anything’s possible.”
Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies coach, was asked by the players whether Morant would be available for Game 6. Morant is doubtful that he will return to the team this season due to his injury.
Jenkins stated that Jenkins was “pretty skeptical” at the moment.
One thing is for certain: The Warriors will respond on their home court.
Thompson stated that it doesn’t feel as good to lose as much as we did. “But it’s only a loss for a day. It is best to let it go and remind yourself of who you are.
“And we’re going give it our all on Friday. “I like our chances.”
This report was contributed by Kendra Andrews, ESPN.