The goals were simple heading into Game 2 of the semi-final battle between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors: Memphis wanted to be more physical; the Warriors wanted to rely on their championship pedigree.
For Memphis, the goal was attained as the Grizzlies grabbed the victory 106-101 to even the series at (1-1).
The Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks was ejected three minutes into the game. He went for a block on Gary Payton II and tried to block it, but he hit Payton in the head. After an official review, it was deemed a flagrant 2 and an automatic ejection.
Payton suffered an elbow injury that renders him unavailable for the remainder of the semi-final series, with only a whisker of a chance of him returning to help Golden State should they get past the Grizzlies, win the Western Conference final and earn the right to challenge the Eastern Conference champ for the NBA title.
Ahead of Game 3 in San Francisco, the NBA is weighing whether Brooks warrants more punishment.
Ja Morant’s monster effort propelled Memphis to the win. He scored 47 points, including the last 15 for the Grizzlies. Memphis’ All-Star point guard tied his own playoff franchise scoring record with his 47 points.
“Definitely big time. Definitely up there,” said Morant about where the performance ranks in his career.
“I felt this was kind of a must-win game for us. For me, I was frustrated with myself for missing that layup in Game 1. I had some friendly words with Steph (Curry). After Game 1, he came to me and Jaren (Jackson Jr.) and said, ‘This is going to be a battle. We’re going to have some fun.’
“I was able to return that message tonight saying the same thing. I always say, this is my favorite matchup. Playing against a guy like him with great talent. It’s going to be a battle.”
Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (10 points, 3 rebounds) was asked about the team maintaining physicality.
“Just staying true to our game plan and playing our game,” he said.
“There’s going to be nights where there’s more than other nights. So, it’s just playing your game really; not really changing anything. Just trying to find ways to win when the fourth quarter comes.”
So, it’s on to the Chase Center on Saturday for Game 3, which is set for tipoff at 7:30 p.m. CDT. The game can be seen on ABC.
“Definitely better. I felt like I was more free. I learned from my mistakes and then I just saw my instincts take over; try not to repeat the same mistakes. Definitely better for sure. I will say today was probably like a B-plus.” (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)
