MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 11: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at FedExForum on May 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors had the chance to close out the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, they were blown out by the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies.
The Golden State Warriors were one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2019. They had the chance to do so with a win in Game 5 at the earliest against the Memphis Grizzlies, who are without Ja Morant due to a bone bruise in his right knee.
Instead, the Warriors were utterly embarrassed by the Grizzlies, losing 134-95. At the end of the third quarter, Memphis actually had a 119-67 lead. That is a 52-point lead…without Morant in the lineup!
Twitter users decided to share their thoughts on what was transpiring on their screens. Whether that was through words or memes.
NBA Twitter reacts to Grizzlies embarrassing Warriors in Game 5
Memphis actually had a lead as large as 55 points, which is the second-largest lead in any playoff game in the past 25 years. The only team to have a larger lead was the 2009 Denver Nuggets with 58 points, per ESPN Stats and Info.
It was an all-around great effort by the Grizzlies, who Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones put up 21 points each.
As for the Warriors starters, they were obliterated by the Grizzlies. Klay Thompson actually had a plus/minus of -45, tied with Andre Drummond in 2019 for the worst plus/minus in the past 25 NBA postseasons, per ESPN Stats and Info.
Not to mention that the Warriors struggled to hold onto the ball as they had 22 turnovers, as opposed to Memphis’ 10. There were 29 points scored off Golden State’s turnovers.
The Warriors now return home, looking to close out the series again with a Game 6 victory. Can they do so? Or will the Grizzlies pull off yet win to force a Game 7?