The Memphis Grizzlies put themselves in position to steal a road win Monday night, leading by as many as 17, and entering the fourth quarter seemingly in control, but could not close, as the Golden State Warriors rallied for a 114-113 victory at Chase Center. Memphis scored five points over the final 8:23, and Golden State finished on an 11-0 run to decide the game in the closing seconds.
For most of the night, Memphis dictated the terms. The Grizzlies moved the ball with purpose, consistently touched the paint, and defended well enough to keep Golden State from finding early rhythm. Through three quarters, the offense looked organized and patient, and the lead reflected it.
The game shifted as the fourth quarter tightened. Golden State increased ball pressure and crowded driving lanes, forcing Memphis deeper into possessions. The looks were harder to come by, and second options were limited. From the 4:17 mark to the final buzzer, the Grizzlies did not make a field goal.
Golden State used that opening to chip away with stops and extra possessions. The Warriors rebounded misses, limited Memphis to one shot on several trips, and stayed close without needing a flurry of scoring. The turning point came with 19.4 seconds left when Gui Santos finished a layup in traffic to give Golden State its first lead of the fourth quarter. Memphis had one final possession but could not convert.
Ty Jerome led Memphis with 19 points and seven assists, providing steadiness and playmaking throughout the night. Jahmai Mashack added a career high 17 points and helped set the early tone with his activity on both ends. Memphis’ bench totaled 68 points, the most Golden State has allowed to reserves this season.
The numbers underscored the finish. Memphis was outscored 29-15 in the fourth quarter and finished the night with extended droughts at the worst possible time. The Grizzlies did enough to build a cushion, but the possession battle and late execution tilted the result.
The loss fit an ongoing theme for Memphis. The team has remained competitive despite injuries and lineup turnover, yet double-digit leads have not consistently translated into wins. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo has emphasized spacing, decision-making, and finishing possessions as areas that must sharpen when games compress.
This one lingered because it was there to be taken. Memphis controlled long stretches, won bench minutes decisively, and defended well enough to win. In the final minutes, the margin disappeared and so did the potential victory.
The road trip does not get any easier. Memphis will head to Denver next to face the Nuggets on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with an 8 p.m. CT tipoff, another test for a group still searching for ways to close games.