The Golden State Warriors secured a commanding victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, defeating them 131-118 on October 23, 2023. The pivotal moment of the match came during a strong third-quarter surge, led by Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, who combined for 45 points.
Kuminga, who tallied a game-high 25 points, was instrumental in the Warriors’ performance. Moody contributed 20 points, with 12 of those coming in a decisive third-quarter run. The Warriors found themselves leading by a narrow margin of 70-68 just three minutes into the second half. However, they quickly pulled away, scoring 29 of the next 39 points, effectively sealing the game.
Key Contributions Fuel the Warriors’ Offense
During this critical stretch, Moody showcased his shooting prowess, nailing three three-pointers and converting three free throws after being fouled on a long-range attempt. Jimmy Butler III added two free throws, extending the Warriors’ lead to 99-78, a gap the Grizzlies could not overcome. Overall, Golden State outshot Memphis, finishing the game with a field goal percentage of 53.0% compared to the Grizzlies’ 45.5%.
In addition to Kuminga and Moody, Brandin Podziemski contributed significantly with 23 points. Other notable performances included Stephen Curry, who scored 16 points, and Draymond Green, who recorded a game-high 10 assists despite not reaching double digits in scoring. Kuminga also led the rebounding efforts with 10 boards, completing a double-double.
Grizzlies Struggle After Strong Start
On the other side, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points and nine assists. Memphis began the game strongly, scoring 37 points in the first quarter and taking a one-point lead. Morant was particularly effective early on, contributing 10 points in the opening period, during which the Grizzlies held a six-point advantage.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second and third quarters. Memphis could only muster 24 points in each of these periods, allowing the Warriors to build a lead as large as 22 points before the final buzzer. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while teammates Jock Landale, Santi Aldama, Cam Spencer, and Jaylen Wells contributed 17, 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
The Warriors’ victory improves their home record to 2-0 this season, setting a positive tone as they continue to build momentum in the early part of the campaign. With a blend of offensive firepower and solid defense, Golden State aims to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming matches.