If you were looking for a typical mid-season slog, you definitely didn't find it here. The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies have this weird, built-in tension that makes every game feel like a Game 7. Honestly, the warriors vs grizzlies box score tells a story that the final tally barely scratches the surface of. It wasn't just about who put the ball in the hoop more; it was about the collision of two very different eras of basketball trying to survive in a 2026 NBA landscape that is faster and more physical than ever.
Breaking Down the Warriors vs Grizzlies Box Score
When you pull up the numbers, the first thing that jumps out isn't just the scoring. It's the efficiency—or lack thereof—in the opening frames. Golden State came out with that classic motion offense, but Memphis has clearly been scouting the hand-offs.
The Warriors managed to pull off a 131-118 victory in their most notable recent matchup this season, and the stat sheet from that October 27 encounter is a goldmine for anyone who loves the "new-look" Dubs. We aren't just talking about the Steph Curry show anymore. While Curry is still the gravity that holds the solar system together, the box score shows a team that is finally leaning on its youth.
The Scoring Leaders
- Jonathan Kuminga: 26 points, 6 rebounds, and a surprising 4 assists. He’s basically become the secondary engine.
- Ja Morant: 23 points and 9 assists. Even when the Grizzlies struggle, Ja is still teleporting to the rim.
- Jimmy Butler: 19 points. Yeah, remember he’s a Warrior now? His defensive impact doesn't always show up in the points column, but his +14 rating speaks volumes.
- Santi Aldama: 18 points. He’s quietly become one of the most reliable stretch-bigs for Memphis.
Why the Second Half Shifted Everything
The first half was a total mess for Golden State. They were turning the ball over like it was a preseason game. But if you look at the warriors vs grizzlies box score from the third quarter specifically, you see the "Warriors Avalanche" in full effect. They outscored Memphis by 12 in that period alone.
Memphis relies so heavily on Ja Morant creating something out of nothing. When the Warriors started doubling him at the level of the screen, the Grizzlies' secondary playmaking sort of crumbled. Desmond Bane had a rough night from deep, going 2-of-9, which is basically a death sentence when you're trying to keep up with a Golden State team that’s hitting 42% of its threes.
Defensive Nuances You Missed
It’s easy to look at the points and think "no defense," but that’s not really the case. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a menace early on. He had 3 blocks in the first ten minutes. However, foul trouble—a recurring theme for JJJ—forced him to the bench. Once he sat, the paint opened up for Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis to just feast.
The box score shows Memphis had more points in the paint (54 to 46), but the Warriors' transition points (22) were what actually killed the Grizzlies' momentum. It's hard to set your defense when you're constantly chasing Brandin Podziemski or Buddy Hield after a long rebound.
The "Butler Effect" on the Stat Sheet
Adding Jimmy Butler to this rivalry changed the math. Usually, this matchup is about the Warriors trying to out-finesse the Grizzlies' grit. Now? The Warriors have their own "enforcer." Butler’s line of 19/5/5 doesn't look like a superstar performance, but his ability to get to the free-throw line (8-of-10) slowed the game down whenever Memphis tried to make a run.
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The Grizzlies' bench actually outscored the Warriors' second unit, which is rare. Cam Spencer and GG Jackson provided a spark, but they lacked the veteran poise to close out quarters. That’s where the experience gap really showed up in the final box score.
Key Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage: Warriors 51.2% / Grizzlies 45.8%
- Three-Point Shooting: Warriors 16/38 / Grizzlies 11/35
- Turnovers: Warriors 14 / Grizzlies 17
- Rebounds: Warriors 44 / Grizzlies 41
Looking Ahead: What This Box Score Means for the Season
The Grizzlies are in a bit of a transition period. There are even whispers about Ja Morant’s long-term future in Memphis as the trade deadline approaches, which adds a layer of "last dance" energy to every game they play. Meanwhile, the Warriors are trying to prove they can still be contenders while the Splash Bros era enters its twilight.
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If you’re tracking the warriors vs grizzlies box score for betting or fantasy purposes, keep an eye on the pace. Both these teams love to run, but the Warriors have become much more disciplined with their shot selection since the Butler trade. Memphis is still high-risk, high-reward.
To really understand where these teams are going, keep an eye on the injury report for their next meeting. Memphis is at their best when JJJ is on the floor to anchor the defense, and the Warriors' depth is their greatest weapon.
Next time these two meet, look for whether Memphis can control the defensive glass. If they allow the Warriors to get second-chance points like they did in this box score (12 offensive rebounds for GS), it’s going to be a long night for the Grindhouse. Watch the "Points Off Turnovers" stat—it’s usually the best indicator of who’s actually controlling the rhythm of this specific rivalry.