"Play-in Jimmy" Delivers as Warriors Outlast Grizzlies to Clinch No. 7 Seed

Jimmy Butler III showed up when it mattered most. Dropping 38 points, hauling in seven boards, dishing out five assists, and getting to the line 18 times, Butler powered the Golden State Warriors to a gritty 104-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament.

It wasn’t the prettiest offensive night for Golden State, but Butler’s aggressive play and a couple of timely three-pointers from Stephen Curry in the final minutes proved just enough to seal the deal.

With the victory, the Warriors clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and will head to Houston to face the Rockets in the opening round, beginning Sunday. Meanwhile, Memphis will regroup at home and await the winner of Wednesday’s Dallas vs. Sacramento game for a shot at the final playoff spot.

This game was a reminder of what makes Golden State so dangerous: star power, poise under pressure, and depth. Butler set the tone from the start, attacking 7’4” rookie Zach Edey with confidence—first sinking outside shots, then blowing past him for paint touches and drawing contact.

Golden State got meaningful contributions from role players like Gary Payton II and Quinten Post off the bench, helping offset a slow start. After falling behind 11–2 early, the Warriors clamped down on defense, holding Memphis to 38.7% shooting for much of the first half and converting turnovers into easy offense. That effort ballooned the lead to as many as 20.

But Memphis never folded. Desmond Bane poured in 30 points with five threes, Ja Morant fought through an ankle tweak to score 22, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18. Edey, despite defensive struggles, contributed 14 points and 17 boards, finishing +6 on the night.

Ultimately, it came down to late-game execution, and Golden State’s veteran savvy shined through.

“We’ve been through a lot this season, but it took 83 games and we’re right where we want to be—back in the playoffs,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “Now we’ve got a chance.”

And with Butler playing like this and Curry always ready for crunch time, that chance is a real one.