Grizzlies Make History with a 144-93 Victory Over the Warriors
In one of the most dominant performances in NBA history, the Memphis Grizzlies absolutely obliterated the Golden State Warriors 144-93 on December 20, 2024, marking the largest margin of victory in the NBA this season. This stunning win was not only a testament to Memphis’s offensive brilliance but also showcased their defensive prowess and ability to dominate in all phases of the game. In an era where three-point shooting has become a cornerstone of the NBA, the Grizzlies set a franchise record by draining an astonishing 27 three-pointers, an achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
A Historic Victory
The final score—144-93—says it all. The Grizzlies’ 51-point victory over the Warriors was a display of basketball dominance that left fans and analysts alike in disbelief. The win surpassed the previous record for the largest margin of victory in the 2024 season, making it a game that will be etched in the annals of both franchises’ histories. The Grizzlies’ performance was so lopsided that they had a 40-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, a testament to their relentless offensive and defensive efforts.
The 144 points scored by Memphis also set a new season-high for the team, and their total was the most any NBA team has scored in a game this season. The sheer efficiency with which they were able to put up points against one of the league’s most high-powered offenses was both astonishing and unexpected. It wasn’t just the scoring, though—the Grizzlies’ defense was just as dominant, limiting the Warriors to a mere 93 points. To put that into perspective, the Warriors have typically been one of the league’s highest-scoring teams, known for their high-paced style of play and sharpshooting. The Grizzlies managed to stifle them at every turn.
The Three-Point Barrage
While the victory was a collective team effort, the most eye-catching statistic was Memphis’s extraordinary three-point shooting. The Grizzlies connected on 27 three-pointers, breaking the franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a single game. This outburst was not only a franchise record but also placed them among the top performances in NBA history. The previous high for the Grizzlies was 23 three-pointers in a game, and on this night, they surpassed that total with ease.
The 27 threes were the product of a well-executed offensive strategy that emphasized spacing, ball movement, and unselfish play. The Grizzlies showed that they could not only shoot efficiently from beyond the arc, but they could also stretch the floor and create open looks for one another. The Golden State Warriors, traditionally known for their exceptional perimeter defense, were helpless against the onslaught of Memphis’s three-point shooters. The Grizzlies were not only hitting shots, but they were doing so with consistency and from all areas of the floor.
Leading the way was Memphis’s star player, Ja Morant, who had one of the best games of his young career. Morant’s dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities allowed his teammates to get open looks, and he was instrumental in the Grizzlies’ ability to create wide-open three-pointers. But it wasn’t just Morant. The entire starting lineup contributed to the three-point barrage. Desmond Bane, one of the league’s most efficient shooters, was particularly effective, draining several contested threes that kept the Warriors’ defense scrambling. Jaren Jackson Jr., who has made strides as a stretch five, also knocked down multiple three-pointers to add to the record-breaking total.
A Total Team Effort
While the three-point shooting was certainly the highlight of the night, it was the collective effort of the Grizzlies that made the victory so comprehensive. Memphis played an exceptionally well-rounded game, excelling not just in scoring but also in defense, rebounding, and playmaking. On the defensive side of the ball, the Grizzlies held the Warriors to just 93 points, a remarkable feat given Golden State’s offensive reputation. Memphis’s defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and staying disciplined in their rotations. The Warriors, for their part, seemed to lack their usual offensive rhythm, as they struggled to find open shots and create scoring opportunities.
The Grizzlies also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Warriors by a significant margin. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams were forces in the paint, cleaning up on the defensive boards and providing second-chance opportunities on offense. Jackson Jr., in particular, was a presence at both ends of the floor, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a rim protector, helping to limit Golden State’s interior scoring.
Morant’s playmaking was also a key component of the Grizzlies’ offensive success. He finished the game with a near triple-double, accumulating 24 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. Morant’s ability to break down the Warriors’ defense and create easy scoring chances for his teammates was instrumental in Memphis’s high-scoring output. His chemistry with Bane, Jackson Jr., and the rest of the team was on full display, as they continually fed each other for open shots and high-quality looks.
The Grizzlies’ bench also played a crucial role in the victory. Players like Ziaire Williams, Luke Kennard, and Santi Aldama provided energy and scoring off the bench, further deepening Memphis’s advantage. This balanced attack from both the starting unit and the bench allowed the Grizzlies to maintain a high level of play throughout the game, never allowing the Warriors to gain any momentum.
Warriors Struggles
On the flip side, the Golden State Warriors found themselves unable to match the Grizzlies’ intensity and shooting efficiency. Despite boasting a roster filled with elite shooters like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole, the Warriors struggled to get anything going offensively. Curry had a relatively quiet night by his standards, finishing with just 16 points, while Thompson, usually a consistent scorer, managed only 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting. The Grizzlies’ defensive schemes clearly disrupted the Warriors’ usual offensive flow, and Golden State had difficulty finding quality looks throughout the game.
Defensively, the Warriors were also overwhelmed by Memphis’s three-point shooting. Golden State’s perimeter defense, which has been one of their strengths in recent years, was unable to stop the barrage of shots coming from all directions. As a result, the Warriors were forced to scramble defensively, leading to more open looks and a faster pace that played directly into Memphis’s hands.
In addition to their struggles on offense, the Warriors were plagued by turnovers, many of which led to easy fast-break points for the Grizzlies. Golden State finished with 17 turnovers, several of which were unforced errors that further contributed to their downfall. Their inability to limit mistakes, combined with their poor shooting, made it nearly impossible to mount any sort of comeback, even as Memphis continued to pile on the points.
A Statement Win for the Grizzlies
This blowout victory over the Warriors serves as a powerful statement for the Memphis Grizzlies. While the Warriors are a perennial contender and one of the most successful franchises in recent NBA history, Memphis showed that they are a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the league. The Grizzlies have long been known for their toughness, grit, and defensive intensity, but this game demonstrated that they are now a complete team capable of putting up huge offensive numbers as well.
The win also helped solidify the Grizzlies’ place among the NBA’s elite. With players like Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr., Memphis has built a roster that can compete with anyone. This performance will undoubtedly give the Grizzlies confidence as they continue to push for a top spot in the Western Conference standings.
