Golden State Warriors

Player Grades: Memphis Grizzlies demolish the Golden State Warriors

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:30 p.m. ET

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Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) dunks the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors 110-89. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Behind the strong outings from the starting five, the Memphis Grizzlies pounded the Golden State Warriors 110-89, extending their winning streak to six games.

Going into tonight’s game, the Warriors have been a juggernaut with a league-best 20-3 record. For the Memphis Grizzlies, they’ve only played one .500 team (Toronto) since Mike Conley’s injury. Without the Conley and Chandler Parsons, many envisioned a tough outing against the Golden State Warriors.

While previewing the game, I thought the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t have “enough firepower” to win this game.

Boy, was I wrong.

Neither team, necessarily, shot the lights out. However, the Memphis Grizzlies blitzed the Warriors on defensive. They forced Golden State to 23 turnovers against its 15 assists. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson weren’t splashing, connecting on only eight of their combined 28 field goal attempts.

The Memphis Grizzlies had a solid, all-around, team game. Led by Marc Gasol and Tony Allen’s 19 points, seven players reached double figures. In addition, Tony Allen proved why he’s “First-Team All Defense,” forcing Klay Thompson to a season-low eight points.

After this win, it’s easy to toss around A’s for everyone, but that’d be boring. How did each player fare in their win against the NBA’s Superteam?

Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Starters

Andrew Harrison

G, Memphis Grizzlies

C+Andrew Harrison had a rough shooting night (2-for-9) but found a way to contribute by getting to the line (7-for-7) and playing solid defense on Steph Curry (3 steals). He missed numerous open jumpers. Hopefully, he could bounce back.

Tony Allen

G, Memphis Grizzlies

A-Tony Allen was a man on a mission tonight. He made Klay Thompson a resident of “The Grindfather’s Island,” shutting him to just 8 points. TA also contributed on offense, dropping 19 points. If it weren’t for a few offensive lapses, I would’ve shed the “-” of the “A.”

Marc Gasol

C, Memphis Grizzlies

AMarc Gasol proved why big men are still relevant in a league that’s in the middle of the “small ball” trend. He scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 6 assists. He used his size over the 6’7″ Draymond Green to find opportunities for both him and his teammates.

Troy Williams

F, Memphis Grizzlies

BTroy Williams had one of his better overall games. He scored 11 points and played solid defense. He also spiked Steph Curry’s lay-up into the stands, which was glorious.

JaMychal Green

F, Memphis Grizzlies

AJaMychal Green’s defensive versatility was on display, once again. He’s guarded big men such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis, but in this game, he was assigned Kevin Durant. Green was a team-high +26 on the court and had another double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds). I’ve said it once, and I’ll keep saying it: JaMychal Green will get PAID this summer.Next: The Bench

Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (1) dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Bench

Zach Randolph

F/C, Memphis Grizzlies

BZBo delivered another strong performance, scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. Only downside of his game was that he was a team-low -4 on the court. Randolph doesn’t match up with these quick teams; however, he still found a way to make an impact.

Jarell Martin

F, Memphis Grizzlies

A-Jarell Martin was a low-key impressive contributor to this game’s victory. He scored 13 points and hauled in 7 rebounds. In addition, he had a few good defensive plays, including a nice block on Draymond Green. Martin’s ability to score and to crash the glass will keep him in the rotation throughout the season.

Toney Douglas

G, Memphis Grizzlies

C-It just wasn’t a good night for Toney Douglas. After a strong 4th quarter performance against Portland, he was just off (2-for-9). There were plenty of instances where he either passed up good shots or shot in inopportune times.

Troy Daniels

G, Memphis Grizzlies

Wade Baldwin and Deyonta Davis played garbage time minutes. Hope these guys get more significant court-time soon. #TrustTheProcess

The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a strong team effort to outlast the Warriors. In addition, they left basketball purists wondering what they could be with a full roster.