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The Golden State Warriors looked set to win their home opener Friday night. However, a late scoring collapse allowed the Memphis Grizzlies to escape Chase Center with a 111-108 victory.
Rookie Cameron Boozer led the comeback with 25 points and 13 rebounds. He also delivered the go-ahead jumper with 20 seconds left, completing a stunning turnaround for Memphis.
Warriors surrender late lead
Golden State held a 106-94 advantage with 3:47 remaining after De’Anthony Melton knocked down a 3-pointer. However, the Warriors could not score another field goal for the rest of the game.
Memphis seized the opportunity and mounted a late rally. Ty Jerome, playing against his former team, helped drive the comeback with 28 points. His 3-pointer with 1:24 left cut Golden State’s lead to 106-105.
Jaylen Wells then tied the game at 106 with a free throw after Memphis center Zach Edey blocked Stephen Curry’s 3-point attempt.
Curry and Brandin Podziemski missed shots from beyond the arc. Boozer took advantage and hit the jumper that put Memphis ahead for good.
The Grizzlies closed with a 17-0 run, turning a promising night for Golden State into a frustrating home defeat.
Cameron Boozer ERUPTED in tonight’s @memgrizz win!
🐻 25 PTS
🐻 13 REB
🐻 6 AST
🐻 2 STL
🐻 4 3PMHe is the third-youngest player (19 years, 97 days) in NBA history to record 25/10/5, behind only Cooper Flagg and LeBron James. https://t.co/VmAYXi9MVh
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2026
Curry leads Warriors as rookies contribute
Curry finished with 24 points, while Podziemski added 18. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg also delivered a strong performance in his home debut, recording 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
Despite those efforts, Golden State struggled to produce when the game mattered most. The team had controlled much of the contest, but its late shooting problems erased that advantage.
Memphis, meanwhile, stayed aggressive and made the most of its chances. Boozer provided the decisive basket, while Jerome’s scoring helped keep the Grizzlies within reach during the final minutes.
Warriors face challenge in the frontcourt
Golden State also struggled to match Memphis’ size. Kristaps Porziņģis remained unavailable, while reserve center Charles Bassey missed the game with knee tendinitis.
Those absences placed more pressure on Draymond Green and two-way rookie Graham Ike. Green, 36, faced the 7-foot-4 Edey in a physical matchup that grew tense as the game progressed.
Green and Memphis forward Isaiah Stewart received double technical fouls before halftime. Green and Edey also exchanged words during the third quarter.
Ike started alongside Green as the Warriors tried to counter Memphis’ size. However, Golden State could not hold off the Grizzlies when the game reached its final minutes.
Warriors prepare for road test
The tension continued into the second half. Lendeborg and Jerome received double technical fouls in the third quarter, while coach Steve Kerr picked up a technical late in the fourth.
For Memphis, the win showed how persistence can turn a difficult game around. Boozer delivered the finishing touch, and Jerome made his scoring count against his former team.
For Golden State, the loss exposed concerns about late-game execution and frontcourt depth. The Warriors had a double-digit lead but could not finish the job.
Golden State will look to bounce back against Phoenix on Saturday. Memphis travels to Sacramento for its next game on Sunday.
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