Curry is out and Poole scores 32, while the Warriors defeat the Grizzlies

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jordan Poole scored 32 points — highlighted by emphatic one-handed slam off a pass from Draymond Green in the third — to outduel Ja Morant before being ejected, and the Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies 123-109 on Sunday night in a rematch of the Western Conference Finals won in five games by Golden State.

Morant scored 36 while debuting his first Nike signature “Ja 1” shoe for the Grizzlies’ first Christmas Day game.

Klay Thompson had 24 points and nine rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo had 19, while Ty Jerome scored 14 points off the bench. The Warriors were playing their 10th consecutive Christmas game.

The Grizzlies were playing a healthy team, using their regular lineup. Tensions were high again just seven months ago in that playoff round. Poole was called to the plate with nine minutes remaining. Golden State had six technicals.

Poole scored back-toback 3-pointers in the first 22 seconds. It was the fifth consecutive game that the Warriors won without Stephen Curry, the NBA Finals MVP. Curry sustained a shoulder injury and the Warriors did not play for the fifth time. Poole scored 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, with three 3s.

To lead 52-37, the Warriors started the second quarter with a 19-8 run. Memphis came back and took a lead of 59 to 54 on three free throws from Tyus Jones, just before halftime. This was after a technial on Poole.

Steven Adams grabbed 14 rebounds in Memphis’ 125-100 win over Phoenix on Friday. It was Memphis’ seventh wire to wire win of the season. Desmond Bane, who was out for 17 games with a torn right big toe, returned to play his second game.

Green, who was suffering from right foot soreness and had been questionable for some time, tested it during a walkthrough. It was clear and he was ready to play. Green contributed 13 rebounds and 13 assists. This prevented the Warriors from using a different starting line-up for their seventh straight game. DiVincenzo, who had missed two games due to illness, returned Sunday.

RIVALRY

The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors in the 2021 playin round, and they continue to rise.

“They have a lot of continuity,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I really admire what they’ve built over the last four, five years.”

WIGGINS’ HEALTH

Andrew Wiggins, Warriors All Star, was unable to play his 10th straight and 12th overall games due to a pulled muscle in his right leg. Kerr was warned that Rick Celebrini (Team Vice President of Player Health and Performance) could inflict further injury to his leg if Wiggins rushes back.

“Yeah, it’s just lingered longer than we had expected, but with groin injuries, you have to be careful,” Kerr said. “… We are just trying to be cautious and give him an extra day or a couple of days, whatever it’s going to take to get him back. Hopefully, he’ll play soon, but I can’t tell exactly when that is.”

TIP-INS

Grizzlies – Morant missed 8 of the 10 3s, Bane was 0 of 7, and the Grizzlies went 9 out 39 from deep. Memphis had won two of the previous two matches against the Warriors who won eight out of 10 in the rivalry. … The Grizzlies held Suns to 43.7% at the floor Friday, and Golden State shot 47.3%.

Warriors: Green received a technical at 3:08 in the first. This was his 10th season-ending technical. Kerr also scored one, making the Warriors’ total of three Ts. Curry will not be able to play for Golden State for at most two more weeks as he continues his recovery from the partial dislocation of his left shoulder sustained Dec. 14 at Indiana. Curry will be reevaluated in two more weeks. … Golden State was the Christmas Day defending champion and won 4-1. The Warriors are now 15-17 overall at Christmas and 8-5 home.

UP NEXT

Grizzlies will host Phoenix on Tuesday night, in a quick rematch against the Suns who are currently riding a three game winning streak.

Warriors: The Hornets host the Warriors on Tuesday night. They have lost two straight to Charlotte, but they have won two consecutive games and won six of the eight in the series at their home.

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