Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler lead Warriors past Grizzlies in NBA play-in thriller

Golden State advance to face Houston in first-round series after Curry’s clutch heroics.

Stephen Curry (#30) and Jimmy Butler (#10) of the Golden State Warriors high-five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, on April 15, 2025. Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Golden State Warriors are playoff-bound once again thanks to an electric performance from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who combined for 75 points to clinch a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. In a game that had all the hallmarks of postseason drama, Golden State held off a furious Grizzlies rally to secure their spot in the NBA playoffs and a date with the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

From the opening tip at San Francisco’s Chase Center, the Warriors were locked in. Fueled by Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Golden State raced to a commanding lead, at one point holding a 20-point advantage. Yet, as playoff history so often reminds us, no lead is safe—especially against a team as gritty as Memphis.

Golden State's stars step up under pressure

Jimmy Butler, acquired by the Warriors in a surprise midseason trade from Miami, delivered one of his most complete performances since donning the blue and gold. The veteran forward poured in 38 points, attacked the rim with ferocity, and played inspired defense throughout the night. But even with Butler doing the heavy lifting, the Warriors needed every ounce of Stephen Curry’s late-game magic.

Curry, already a four-time NBA champion and known for his clutch credentials, erupted for 15 points in the fourth quarter alone. He finished with 37 points and drained six three-pointers, none more important than the dagger from the left wing that gave Golden State a five-point cushion with just under two minutes to play.

Butler was quick to credit his teammate during the postgame interview, saying, “I'm telling you, that's a Batman if I've ever seen a Batman — always coming to save the day.”

The synergy between Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler was clear all night long. The two shared the spotlight effortlessly, feeding off each other’s energy and rallying a Warriors squad that has battled inconsistency and injuries all season.

Memphis fightback falls short

The Grizzlies, despite trailing for much of the contest, refused to go down without a fight. Star guard Ja Morant was dynamic early but suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter that forced him to the locker room for several minutes. Though he returned, he wasn’t quite the same. Still, Morant managed 22 points while Desmond Bane led Memphis with 30.

Memphis briefly seized the lead late in the fourth, riding a surge of momentum and a flurry of fast-break points. But Golden State’s composure—led by Curry’s poise and Butler’s intensity—ultimately proved the difference.

The loss doesn’t end Memphis' season just yet. They’ll have one more shot at playoff qualification when they take on the winner of Wednesday’s play-in matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.

Warriors to face Houston in round one

With the win, Golden State secures the Western Conference’s seventh seed and sets up a compelling first-round matchup against the high-powered Houston Rockets. The Rockets, led by MVP candidate Jalen Green and a revitalized frontcourt, present a tough challenge, but the Warriors head into the series with momentum—and the lethal duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

The playoff pedigree of Curry, combined with Butler’s two-way dominance, gives Golden State a real chance to cause an upset against the second seeds. For head coach Steve Kerr, Tuesday’s win was a clear sign that his team has rediscovered its identity at the perfect time.

“We’ve been through a lot this year,” Kerr told reporters. “But when your best players are locked in the way Steph and Jimmy were tonight, you feel confident in any situation.”

Magic cruise past Hawks to secure East playoff berth

In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic put on a dominant performance to punch their ticket to the playoffs with a 120-95 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Cole Anthony came off the bench to score 26 points, while rookie sensation Anthony Black added 16. The Magic’s bench outscored Atlanta’s 52-21, providing the spark that lifted Orlando to victory.

Atlanta briefly threatened in the third quarter, trimming the lead to just three points. But Orlando’s balanced offense and stifling fourth-quarter defense shut the door with authority, outscoring the Hawks 41-21 in the final period.

Paolo Banchero had an all-around game with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 19 points, while Franz Wagner posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Trae Young led Atlanta with 28 points but was ejected late in the game after picking up a second technical foul.

The Magic now advance to face the Boston Celtics, the defending Eastern Conference champions, in the opening round. Game one of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Sunday.

What comes next

For the Warriors, the challenge ahead is steep, but they will enter the postseason brimming with belief. The pairing of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler gives Golden State a one-two punch as dangerous as any in the league. Tuesday’s victory was a statement—not just about their playoff aspirations, but about the character and leadership within the locker room.

Meanwhile, Memphis will try to regroup and refocus ahead of their do-or-die play-in clash. The health of Ja Morant could be the deciding factor, and coach Taylor Jenkins will be watching his star guard closely in the days ahead.

Orlando, on the other hand, seems to have found their rhythm just in time. Their convincing win over Atlanta sends a message to Boston and the rest of the league: this young Magic team is ready to compete.

As the NBA playoffs loom, the stage is set. And thanks to the brilliance of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors will once again be a team no one wants to face.