Well, it seems like the dream is over. The Golden State Warriors won’t take part in the NBA playoffs for the second straight season after losing back-to-back games in the play-in tournament, first with the Los Angeles Lakers and then with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Warriors were almost a lock to be eliminated before the trade deadline but made a strong push after the All-Star break, finishing the season strong and entering the play-in tournament as one of the hottest teams in the league.
Needless to say, most of the credit for that went to Stephen Curry, who led the league in scoring and had arguably his best season yet. Then again, one man can’t win on his own in such a competitive league.
Stephen Curry And The Warriors Miss The Playoffs: Funniest Memes And Reactions
The Warriors were able to neutralize Jonas Valanciunas but just didn’t have an answer for Ja Morant. No one could get a bucket besides Curry and Jordan Poole, and they trailed by 13 at the break.
Golden State made a late push and even tied the game with little time left. Then, Steve Kerr refused to take a timeout and Curry gave the ball to Draymond Green at the top of the key to avoid a triple-team. Green had a chance to win it at the buzzer and air-balled a floater.
Eventually, the Grizzlies got the last laugh in overtime with a 117-112 win, upsetting the Warriors at home to clinch the 8th seed. Needless to say, that prompted hilarious memes and reactions around social media.
The Warriors will now focus on the NBA Draft and the offseason. They’ll get Klay Thompson back at full strength and will be a contender in no time. Then again, it’s a shame that the play-in tournament cost us a playoff run from prime Stephen Curry.