Tension flared late as the Golden State Warriors outgunned the Memphis Grizzlies 134-125 on April 1, 2025, in a game that combined historic shot-making with postseason-level intensity.
Stephen Curry delivered one of his finest performances of the season, dropping 52 points and hitting 12 three-pointers in a vintage display of offensive brilliance. The win pushed Golden State further up the Western Conference standings, marking a critical step as the regular season winds down.
Curry’s scoring outburst was the fourth-highest of his career and tied his personal record for most threes in a game.
A Flashpoint with Desmond Bane
While Curry’s performance lit up the scoreboard, it was a late-game moment with Desmond Bane that added fuel to the growing rivalry between the two teams. With under 30 seconds left and the game essentially decided, the Warriors called a timeout. As Curry casually launched a practice shot during the break, Bane swatted the ball out of the air, visibly irritating the Warriors star. The two exchanged words before being separated by teammates.
No technical fouls were issued, and the moment didn’t escalate further. In fact, Curry and Bane shared a hug at midcourt after the final buzzer. When asked about it later, Curry brushed it off: “It’s just part of the game. We’re all competitors.”
Team Efforts and Grizzlies’ Response
Beyond Curry’s brilliance, the Warriors got a major boost from Draymond Green, who notched a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Jimmy Butler III also played a critical role, scoring 27 points and going 12-for-12 from the free throw line, helping the Warriors maintain control throughout the game. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody added valuable minutes, contributing with energy and smart decision-making on both ends.
A Rivalry Renewed with Playoff Stakes Ahead
The Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry has grown heated over recent seasons, sparked by their intense 2022 playoff series and fueled by ongoing trash talk, physical matchups, and competitive fire. Monday night’s dust-up was just the latest sign that this matchup continues to be one of the league’s most emotionally charged.
The win pushed Golden State up to the fifth seed in the West, while Memphis risks sliding into the play-in zone. With both teams potentially on a collision course for the postseason, this game might have been just the preview — not the peak — of their next chapter.
