Warriors Comeback Bid Falls Short in Memphis

January 9, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Despite coming back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, the Warriors fell flat down the stretch in a 99-93 loss to the Grizzlies.

In the first quarter of this game, Memphis got off to a really hot start, and the Warriors were once again slumping. Down 16-8 halfway through the quarter, the Warriors were looking like they did in their other games. The games where the Rockets and Thunder each scored 65+ in the first half. The fatigue of travel had taken over the Warriors and it was apparent. At the end of the first, the Grizzlies were only up 32-24.

Entering the second, the Warriors found themselves quickly down by 14 points thanks to the hot hand of Austin Daye who had 12 points at this time in the game. He drained three 3 pointers, and finished with an and-1 play. The Warriors were desperate for points. Their prayers, luckily, were answered by all-stars David Lee and Stephen Curry who closed out the quarter and brought the Dubs to just a 63-56 deficit at the half.

After the break, the Warriors quickly tied the game at 65 apiece. They were on an 11-2 run and looking better than ever. Just when you thought things were changing, the Grizzlies’ offense came alive and they were able to stick with the Dubs. It was a 77-76 lead for the Grizzlies at the end of the third.

It was a seesaw battle for much of the fourth quarter, with both teams wanting the win badly. The Warriors seemingly grabbed the momentum when Curry drilled back-to-back threes to give them an 86-83 lead, but they were never able to build on that. Zach Randolf and Marc Gasol had their way down the stretch and the Grizzlies built an eight-point lead with under two minutes to play.

Golden State was unable to respond in desperation, and for the first time this season, they will have a losing record on a road trip having loss all three games thus far.