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Play-In Tournament : Warriors Beat Grizzlies for No. 7 Seed in Playoffs, Magic Dominate Hawks
Apr
Curry and Warriors Hold Off Grizzlies for No. 7 Seed in Western Conference Playoffs
Play-In Tournament : In a thrilling play-in tournament game, the Golden State Warriors secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Stephen Curry led the way with 37 points. Include crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes, while Jimmy Butler’s all-around performance made a significant impact.
Curry and Butler Shine in Big Moments
Jimmy Butler, who had an impressive 38 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, continued his playoff-level excellence, stepping up in key moments. His performance created opportunities for his teammates, including Curry, who was essential in the Warriors’ late-game push. Curry hit a baseline three-pointer with 1:50 left in the game. Followed by another three from the left wing with just one minute remaining, helping the Warriors maintain their lead.
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Golden State’s Playoff Journey Begins Against the Rockets
With the win, the Warriors are now set to face the Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven first-round series beginning Sunday in Houston. The game also had a dramatic finish, with Curry sealing the victory with two free throws, putting Golden State up by five with only 5.4 seconds left. The Grizzlies’ last chance came when Santi Aldama failed to inbound the ball before a five-second violation. Effectively ending their hopes of a comeback.
Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane and Ja Morant Lead the Charge
Despite the loss, Memphis had strong performances from Desmond Bane, who scored 30 points, and Ja Morant, who added 22. However, the Grizzlies couldn’t capitalize on their momentum in the third quarter. Morant did suffer a scary moment, rolling his right ankle after stepping on Buddy Hield’s foot. He managed to convert a three-point play to keep Memphis within striking distance.
Key Contributions from Warriors and Grizzlies Players
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points for the Grizzlies, while Zach Edey added 14 points and 17 rebounds. Curry, though heavily guarded by Scotty Pippen Jr., also had eight rebounds and four assists in the game. Butler took charge in the absence of Curry’s usual dominance. Lead the Warriors in a series of scoring possessions that helped them build an early lead.
Warriors’ Previous Play-In Struggles and Current Success
The Warriors had previously struggled in play-in games, going 0-3 in appearances in 2021 and 2022. However, this time, with Curry and Butler in top form, they managed to hold off the Grizzlies and avoid an early exit. Golden State’s loss to the Clippers in the regular-season finale had placed them in this must-win situation, but they handled the pressure with poise.
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Cole Anthony Leads Magic to Victory Over Hawks in Eastern Conference Play-In
In another play-in game, the Orlando Magic dominated the Atlanta Hawks 120-95, thanks to a standout performance from Cole Anthony. Coming off the bench, Anthony scored 26 points and dished out six assists, leading the Magic to a resounding victory. Orlando’s bench depth, particularly from Anthony and rookie Anthony Black, proved crucial in securing the win.
Magic’s Balanced Attack and Playoff Aspirations
Paolo Banchero had 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. While Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points and seven rebounds to support Anthony. The Magic, finishing the regular season with a 41-41 record, will begin their playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Hawks’ Struggles and Trae Young’s Ejection
On the other side, Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points and six assists but was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls with 4:47 left in the contest. The Hawks, who have relied on the play-in tournament to make playoff appearances in two of the last three seasons, will now play at home on Friday for the eighth seed, facing the winner of the Bulls vs. Heat matchup in Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Historic Play-In Appearance
This victory marked the Magic’s first-ever appearance in a play-in game, and they made the most of the opportunity with a strong team effort. Orlando capitalized on Atlanta’s struggles, particularly in the final minutes of the first quarter. The Hawks managed just two points in the last six minutes.
The Road Ahead for the Magic and Hawks
As the Magic prepare for their playoff debut, they’ll be looking to carry this momentum into their series against the Celtics. Meanwhile, the Hawks will need to regroup and focus on securing the eighth playoff spot when they return home to face the winner of the Bulls vs. Heat play-in game.
Both the Warriors and Magic demonstrated resilience and skill, earning their respective spots in the playoffs. Fans can look forward to intense action as the playoffs begin. These teams set to face even tougher challenges in the next round.
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