OAKLAND, Calif – His jog down the sideline in front of fans sitting courtside said it all.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry just connected on a 3-pointer and began shimmying to celebrate the play. Curry had fun Saturday night at the Grizzlies’ expense in his return from an 11-game absence due to an ankle injury.
The game was Curry’s first since Dec. 4 and he showed absolutely no rust in helping the Warriors light up the scoreboard while handing the Grizzlies a 141-128 loss in Oracle Arena.
Curry finished with 38 points that included 10 3-pointers. He passed Portland’s Damian Lillard for the most 3-point baskets in a game this season.
Curry didn’t ease into the return, often calling for the basketball and launching long-distance shots on the move. Curry manufactured his point total in just 26 minutes.
Here are five other quick thoughts from the game.
First-half shootout
Memphis held its own in the first half by scoring 67 points — the most its scored in any half this season. In addition to shooting 51 percent, the Grizzlies took care of the basketball and shared it to create good scoring balance. The Grizzlies didn’t have a turnover in the opening period and turned the ball over just twice in the second. But the Warriors, who were energized by Curry’s return, wouldn’t be outdone. They shot 67 percent and posted 78 points before halftime. The Warriors output tied a Grizzlies opponent for the most points scored in a half. The other time Memphis allowed that many points in a half was against the Golden State on March 24, 2010, in Oracle Arena.
Kobi shined again
Rookie guard Kobi Simmons was largely responsible for the Grizzlies going toe-to-toe with the Warriors in the first half. He played confidently and decisively with the basketball. Simmons continued to prove he can contribute with good decision-making on offense and defensive energy.
Defense lacking for both teams
The Warriors devoured the Grizzlies’ defense with several backdoor cuts in around the basket. Memphis appeared confused in its pick-and-roll coverage. But the Grizzlies remained consistent with their offensive execution, becoming just the second team to shoot shot 50 percent against the Warriors this season.
Gasol efficient
Griz center Marc Gasol made seven of his first nine shots and scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half. Gasol took advantage of his inside-out game, working over the Warriors big men in the paint and then punishing them with four 3-pointers.
Griz shuffled injured players
JaMychal Green returned and started after recovering from a sore knee. The Grizzlies also had Brandan Wright (quad). But Chandler Parsons didn’t play because of right knee soreness. Parsons normally doesn’t play in back-to-back games. But he didn’t sit for rest so it is unclear whether Parsons will play Sunday in Sacramento.
Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans describes what it took Wednesday night to beat the Los Angeles Lakers. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks about their offense following a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grizzlies center Marc Gasol describes how he must play better following a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies guard Kobi Simmons talks about his approach to suddenly playing in the rotation. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans describes the final seconds of a 97-95 loss to the Suns after missing a potential game-winning 3-pointer as the final buzzer sounded. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies rookie guard Kobi Simmons talks about playing with the unit that helped them get back in the game. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green talks to the media after they snapped an 11-game losing streak. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley describes the rehabilitation process for his sore left Achilles. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley talks about his reaction to coach David Fizdale's firing. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace talks about why he fired Coach David Fizdale. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
ESPN first reported that Memphis Grizzlies had let David Fizdale go Monday afternoon. Autumn Allison/USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee
Grizzlies coach David Fizdale describes what Mike Conley's absence will mean. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies guard Ben McLemore describes his performance in a loss to the Houston Rockets. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Forward Chandler Parsons describes his breakout performance in a Grizzlies uniform. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies rookie Dillon Brooks reacts to having an impressive performance in his first NBA regular-season game. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons says the fans booing him were tasteless. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green says he's 'blessed' to receive a two-year, $16 million contract. Ronald Tillery/The Commercial Appeal
Tyreke Evans after Griz beat Lakers
Griz coach Bickerstaff after win over Lakers
Marc Gasol says he must play better
Kobi Simmons on entering rotation
Tyreke Evans on final play in loss vs Suns
Kobi Simmons after loss to Celtics
JaMychal Green after Griz ended losing streak
Mike Conley on Achilles rehab
Mike Conley on Fizdale firing
Griz GM Chris Wallace on firing Coach David Fizdale
David Fizdale out as Memphis Grizzlies coach
Griz coach Fiz on impact of Conley's absence
Ben McLemore after Grizzlies debut
Chandler Parsons after big night
Dillon Brooks after NBA debut
Chandler Parsons addresses FedExForum boos
JaMychal Green talks about his new deal