Memphis Grizzlies pull off incredible upset over Warriors in Game 5 to stay alive

The Memphis Grizzlies, with their backs against the wall and their season on the line, pulled off an incredible 134-95 upset over the Golden State Warriors to win Game 5 and stay alive in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

The Grizzlies played without the services of superstar Ja Morant, who has virtually been shut down for the rest of the post-season by team doctors. His return this season is officially listed as “doubtful,” according to a team press release.

But, this squad played a few stretches without their All-Star, amassing a record of 20-5 during the regular season. This team was a few missed free throws and a few bad decisions down the stretch of Game 4 from being up 3-2.

But how did Memphis amass a 55-point lead over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5?

How the Memphis Grizzlies upset the Golden State Warriors in Game 5

It all started hours before tip-off when an ESPN reporter asked Steph Curry what the Warriors’ game plan would be for Game 5 and he responded coyly, “Whoop that trick.”

With that sentence, Stephen Curry ignited a fire inside the Memphis Grizzlies, the fans, and an entire city that has used the eponymous song “Whoop That Trick” near the end of big home games to crush any remaining willpower of the visiting team. The entire FedEx Forum screams “whoop that trick” over and over and over until the visitors yield.

As if the Grizzlies needed any more motivation to keep their playoff hopes alive, that sure did the trick (pun intended).

Memphis came out swinging and played their brand of basketball: control and patrol the paint and play team basketball.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Tyus Jones, and Desmond Bane each chipped in 21 points apiece. In total, seven players finished the game with double-figure scoring and the team recorded 37 assists.

The Grizzlies out-rebounded the Warriors 18-4 on the offensive glass, which led to 24 second-chance points. In total, Memphis won the rebounding battle 63-45,

Memphis recorded 29 points off 22 Golden State turnovers (half of which were steals).

The Grizzlies were fantastic in every facet of the game. They played unselfish basketball and stuck to their game plan.

The series is now 3-2 in Golden State’s favor. The Grizzlies have to win Game 6 at the Chase Center on May13 for a chance at a Game 7 in Memphis.