Golden State still offers the skin of the Grizzlies!

In the absence of Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole is responsible. His 17 points allowed the Warriors to race into the lead as Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks kept Memphis in touch by attacking the circle (33-29).

Despite the limited rotation, Golden State brings home the point. Anthony Lamb was 3/3 from distance and drew Jaren Jackson Jr.’s third personal foul. when Jordan Poole finished a 19-7 that put Memphis at -15 (52-37). Ja Morant then scored 11 straight points to spark his team but the Warriors held off before ending the half with a 3-point foul and a technical foul that sent Memphis from -9 to -5 (59- 54).

Jaren Jackson Jr. received his fourth personal foul on the first possession of the second half to the delight of Draymond Green. Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole kept the Warriors in control but Ja Morant brought the Grizzlies to one possession (80-77). Steve Kerr then launched Ty Jerome, and the back scored 8 points to launch a 17-2 run that put Golden State at +15 (99-84).

With the game in hand, the Warriors saw Jordan Poole ejected for a second technical foul. Despite the absence of their first creator, Steve Kerr’s men remain thanks to the skill of Klay Thompson to offer themselves a great Christmas present and reconnect with success.

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

– A near perfect game from the Warriors. To beat Memphis without Stephen Curry and without Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors needed to play a nearly perfect game, and they did. Steve Kerr relied on a Jordan Poole of the great days, an exemplary Draymond Green (13 assists, 11 rebounds), Klay Thompson waking up at the best time, and the general contribution of his bench. The Warriors also finished the game at 41% from 3-pointers!

– Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks battled each other. Key elements of the Grizzlies’ defense, they both picked up two fouls in quick succession. JJJ couldn’t play more than 3 minutes in a row after that, being targeted by the Warriors and Draymond Green. He chained mistakes and played just 21 minutes. Dillon Brooks started with a bang but also fell victim to his intensity, leaving Ja Morant alone against everyone.

– Andrew Wiggins is still out. Thought to be back tonight, Andrew Wiggins finally missed his tenth straight game. The decision was taken by the medical staff and sent by Steve Kerr before the meeting. “His recovery is taking longer than expected but with the adductors, you have to be careful. If he comes back too early and aggravates his injury, we could lose him for a month so we prefer to give him the time he needs him. » Without any wiggle room this season, the Warriors can’t afford to be without the All-Star for much longer as they hope to bounce back from an eight-game home streak.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Jordan Poole. Facing an aggressive Memphis defense, Jordan Poole wasted five possessions but made eye contact with Ja Morant, finishing with 32 points to lead the Warriors to victory. Only black point for the leader, his two technical mistakes that could count as expensive.

✅ The Warriors’ bench. 14 points for Ty Jerome, 10 for Moses Moody, 11 for Anthony Lamb, 7 points Jonathan Kuminga, the young Warriors responded to this pressure game.

✅ Yes Morant. The Grizzlies point guard was incredible, finishing with 37 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, but he was too lonely to lead his team to victory.

✅ ⛔ Clay Thompson. The “Splash Brother” started the game poorly but scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half to keep the Grizzlies going. However, he only finished 8/25 in shots.

⛔ Jaren Jackson Jr.. Just like in the playoffs, the young interior quickly got into foul trouble. He only played 21 minutes and was transparent.

⛔ The Second Knife of Memphis. Other than Ja Morant, the Grizzlies finished the game shooting 37%, including 6/25 for the Desmond Bane – Dillon Brooks duo. Not enough to hope to win.

THE FOLLOWING

Golden State (16-18) : The Warriors continue at home on Tuesday against the Hornets

Memphis (20-12): The Grizzlies host the Suns, after beating them by 25 points on Friday