The Golden State Warriors’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies was a victory of vital importance in the battle for Western Conference seeding.
The win moved the Golden State Warriors into fifth place, with the Memphis Grizzlies at risk of being overtaken and dropping into the Play-In tournament.
The victory was symbolic of the Warriors rise and the Grizzlies fall, having recently fired Taylor Jenkins.
And it was a game of redemption for one player in particular, who the worst game of his career against the Grizzlies earlier this season.
Draymond Green fell completely flat during the Golden State Warriors loss at the Memphis Grizzlies back in December.
Green posted statistics of 0 points, 0 rebounds and 0 assists, a triple-bagel. He also had no blocks, although did manage one steal, during his 19 minutes of play.
CBS described Green’s performance as ’embarrassing’, commenting that it would be hard to script a worse game than the one he endured.
Now in the Warriors’ April 1 win over the Warriors, Green produced a triple-double, 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
It was a complete performance, and his first triple-double of the season, with Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iasilo praising his defensive prowess.
This was a statement performance from the veteran, making up for the disaster in Memphis on their previous visit.
It was not just Draymond Green who had a point to prove, it was the entire Golden State Warriors organization.
The Grizzlies’ win on December 20 was a total annihilation, a 144-93 victory for the home team, and a loss of historic proportions for the Warriors.
The defeat was the fifth-worst road loss in franchise history, although Stephen Curry remained positive at the time, commenting: “I genuinely believe it, we are better than what we’ve been playing. Better than what we showed tonight.”
There have been plenty of changes since. Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schroder started that game for Golden State, with both players since traded, and Jimmy Butler acquired.
And if you are going to get blown out, much rather it be in December than March.
