Warriors and Magic Make Playoff Pushes Official with Tuesday Night Victories

The NBA Play-In Tournament delivered fireworks Tuesday night, with both the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic securing playoff berths in contrasting fashion.

Warriors Edge Grizzlies in Thriller

In the Western Conference, the Warriors outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies in a high-octane 121–116 win at Chase Center. The game saw wild momentum swings, key injuries, and late-game drama as Golden State grabbed the No. 7 seed and set up a first-round clash with the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

Memphis opened strong behind Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but the Warriors responded with a 29–7 run to seize control. Jimmy Butler III erupted for 21 first-half points, and Stephen Curry added 15 as Golden State built a 20-point cushion.

The Grizzlies stormed back in the second half. Morant’s and-one cut the deficit to a single point midway through the third quarter, but he rolled his ankle landing on Buddy Hield’s foot. Though he briefly exited, Morant returned early in the fourth and hit a jumper to tie the game.

Desmond Bane and John Konchar fueled a short-lived Memphis lead, but Curry and Butler delivered clutch shots down the stretch. Curry hit two big threes and sealed the game with four free throws, finishing a perfect 13-of-13 from the line.

Butler led all scorers with 38 points, his best outing as a Warrior, while Curry dropped 37. Bane scored 30 for Memphis, and Morant added 22 despite his injury. Rookie Zach Edey impressed with 14 points and 17 rebounds.

The Grizzlies will now host the loser of the Mavericks-Kings matchup in a do-or-die game Friday for the West's No. 8 seed.

Magic Cruise Past Hawks

Earlier, the Orlando Magic secured the No. 7 seed in the East with a dominant 120–95 win over the Atlanta Hawks at Kia Center. Cole Anthony led the charge with 26 points and six assists off the bench, helping the Magic pull away after the Hawks closed a 22-point deficit to just three late in the third quarter.

Orlando responded with a huge fourth, outscoring Atlanta 41–22. Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points and seven rebounds, while Paolo Banchero posted 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The Magic will now face the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the first round, starting Sunday at TD Garden. Orlando went 2–1 against Boston this season.

Hawks star Trae Young scored 28 points but was ejected with 4:47 left after receiving two technical fouls—one for throwing the ball at an official, another for refusing to hand the ball over.

Atlanta now faces elimination and will host the winner of Wednesday's Heat vs. Bulls play-in game on Friday. The victor will secure the East’s No. 8 seed and face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

The playoffs begin Sunday, and after a dramatic night of play-in action, the bracket is starting to take shape.