2022 Playoffs Round 1 Game 6 vs Memphis Grizzlies
Curry's masterclass in Memphis sealed the series and reignited a dynasty.
Game 6 of the 2022 Western Conference First Round stands as a definitive turning point in Golden State Warriors history, marking the moment the franchise reclaimed its identity after years of uncertainty. Facing elimination against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, this match was not merely a victory but a statement of resilience from a team that had lost its core stars to injury and age just months prior.
This contest solidified Stephen Curry's status as an all-time great in playoff basketball, showcasing his ability to dominate on the road against a young, athletic rival. It served as the launchpad for the Warriors' eventual run to their sixth championship, proving that the dynasty was far from over despite the changing landscape of the NBA.
- Series Outcome
- Warriors win series 4-2
- Key Player Performance
- Stephen Curry: 34 points, 7 assists
- Location
- FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
- Result Significance
- Eliminated Grizzlies from playoffs
- Team Status
- Warriors advance to Western Conference Semifinals
Lore & Background
The narrative leading into this game was steeped in skepticism. The Golden State Warriors, once the undisputed kings of the league, had stumbled into the playoffs with a depleted roster. Draymond Green was suspended for Game 1, Klay Thompson was returning from a devastating Achilles tear, and Andrew Wiggins was still finding his rhythm. Opposing them were the Memphis Grizzlies, a young, physical team led by Ja Morant that had swept the Warriors in the regular season and threatened to end the Golden State era prematurely.
By Game 6, the series hung in the balance. The Grizzlies held home-court advantage and the momentum of a potential sweep. However, the Warriors' veteran core, anchored by Curry and coached by Steve Kerr, refused to let their legacy fade in a second-round exit. The atmosphere in Memphis was electric with anticipation for an upset, but what unfolded was a display of championship pedigree that silenced the opposing crowd.
This game is remembered as the moment the 'Grit and Grind' era of Memphis met the 'Splash Brothers' resurgence. It validated the Warriors' ability to win ugly, to adapt without their usual supporting cast, and to rely on the sheer will of their leader when it mattered most. The victory was a psychological blow to the Grizzlies and a spiritual renewal for Golden State.
In Their Own Story
The air in FedExForum was thick with tension, a palpable mix of Memphis confidence and Warriors anxiety. With the series tied 3-2, every possession felt like a lifetime. Stephen Curry dribbled near the logo, his eyes scanning the defense, ignoring the fatigue that had plagued him all postseason. The crowd roared as Ja Morant drove, but Curry was already moving, slipping through the cracks of the defense like water.
He pulled up from deep, the ball leaving his fingertips with a familiar spin. It swished through the net, a sound that echoed louder than the cheering crowd. The Grizzlies' young stars looked at one another, a flicker of doubt crossing their faces. Curry didn't celebrate; he simply pointed to the bench, signaling for the next play. In that moment, the history of the franchise seemed to converge on a single player in a dark blue jersey, rewriting the story of a season that many had already written off.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was Game 6 of the 2022 Western Conference First Round, where the Golden State Warriors faced elimination against the Memphis Grizzlies. The series had been a grueling physical battle, with the young Grizzlies taking a commanding lead early in the playoffs before the veteran Warriors fought back to force this decisive game on the road.
What happened was a masterclass in clutch performance led by Stephen Curry. Despite missing key rotation players, Curry delivered 34 points, including critical shots that broke the Grizzlies' momentum. The Warriors' defense tightened, forcing turnovers and limiting Memphis's star Ja Morant to an inefficient shooting night. The team overcame a slow start to dominate the second half, securing a 108-95 victory.
This match is remembered because it was the catalyst for the Warriors' championship run. It proved that even without their full roster, the core of Curry, Thompson, and Green possessed an intangible resilience capable of overcoming any obstacle. The win eliminated a dangerous young team and set the stage for Golden State to sweep through the rest of the playoffs, culminating in their sixth title.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time Stephen Curry had ever been forced to play an elimination game on the road in his career prior to this series.
- The victory marked the Warriors' first playoff series win since 2019, ending a three-year drought of early exits.
- Stephen Curry became one of only two players in NBA history to record multiple 30+ point games in a single series while shooting over 45% from three-point range.
- The Grizzlies had swept the Warriors in their previous playoff meeting in 2019, making this Game 6 victory a significant act of redemption for Golden State.