The Memphis Grizzlies pulled off a stunning late comeback against the Golden State Warriors, turning a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit into a 111-108 victory on Friday night, October 23, in San Francisco.
Rookie Cameron “Cam” Boozer emerged as the difference-maker, finishing with 25 points and 13 rebounds before delivering the go-ahead basket with approximately 20 seconds remaining. Memphis completed a remarkable 17-0 scoring run to erase Golden State’s advantage and secure its second consecutive win to open the 2026-27 NBA season.
The defeat was particularly painful for the Warriors, who appeared to have control of the game before their offense suddenly went cold during the closing minutes.
Cam Boozer steps up when Memphis needs him most
Boozer showed why the Grizzlies are excited about their young talent, combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking in a pressure-packed road game.
The rookie recorded 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, according to the game coverage and reported statistics. He also shot 4-for-7 from three-point range and converted all nine of his free throws, demonstrating a more complete offensive performance after a difficult shooting debut against Utah.
His biggest moment arrived late in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 106, Boozer connected on a go-ahead shot that put Memphis in front 108-106 with roughly 20 seconds left.
The basket capped a comeback that had looked unlikely just minutes earlier.
For a rookie still adjusting to the NBA, delivering a decisive shot against a team led by Stephen Curry was an early statement. But Boozer was not the only Grizzlies player responsible for the turnaround.
Memphis erases a 12-point deficit with a decisive 17-0 run
Golden State appeared to have the game under control when De’Anthony Melton knocked down a three-pointer with 3:47 remaining, giving the Warriors a 106-94 lead.
Instead of closing out the victory, Golden State endured a disastrous finish.
The Warriors missed nine consecutive field-goal attempts and failed to score another field goal for the remainder of the game, allowing Memphis to seize control. The Grizzlies answered with a decisive 17-0 run that completely changed the outcome.
Ty Jerome helped ignite the rally, drilling a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 106-105 with 1:24 remaining. Jaylen Wells subsequently tied the game at 106 by making a free throw after Curry had a three-point attempt blocked by Zach Edey.
After missed three-pointers by Curry and Brandin Podziemski, Boozer delivered the go-ahead basket.
Memphis then capitalized on a technical foul called against Warriors coach Steve Kerr, with Jerome converting the resulting free throw before adding another basket to help seal the win.
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The comeback underscored the importance of execution in the final minutes: a comfortable lead meant little once Golden State stopped converting its possessions.
Ty Jerome backs up his explosive season opener
While Boozer supplied the clutch finish, Jerome provided the scoring punch that kept Memphis within reach.
Jerome finished with 28 points, following his career-high 45-point performance in the Grizzlies’ 123-103 season-opening victory over the Utah Jazz. His consecutive strong performances gave Memphis another offensive weapon as the team looks to build momentum early in the season.
Jaylen Wells contributed 17 points, while Cam Spencer added 11, helping Memphis overcome Golden State’s late advantage.
The Grizzlies’ victory also demonstrated how their emerging players can share responsibility rather than rely on a single scorer when the game is on the line.
Stephen Curry’s 24 points not enough for Golden State
Curry finished with 24 points, but the Warriors could not maintain their advantage down the stretch.
Podziemski also scored 18 points, matching rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s 18-point output. Lendeborg made his home debut a notable one, adding 13 rebounds and six assists for Golden State.
Golden State had entered the fourth quarter trailing 84-90, but an 11-0 run late in the third had helped the Warriors seize momentum. Their lead eventually reached 12 points before the Grizzlies mounted their decisive comeback.
The loss dropped Golden State to 0-2 to start the season, marking its first 0-2 start since the 2020-21 campaign, according to the Associated Press report.
The result raises questions about the Warriors’ ability to close out games when their offense stalls under pressure. However, one early-season defeat does not establish a broader trend, and the team still has time to address its late-game execution.
What this result means for the Grizzlies and Warriors
Memphis improved to 2-0, giving its season an encouraging start after the franchise endured a difficult previous campaign.
The Grizzlies are leaning on a younger core, with Boozer among the newcomers expected to contribute immediately. Their comeback against Golden State offers an early example of how their combination of youth, energy and timely scoring can produce results against an experienced opponent.
For Golden State, the immediate concern is finishing games. The Warriors had opportunities to protect their lead but went scoreless from the field during the decisive closing stretch.
The matchup also offered an early look at the competition between two highly watched rookies: third overall pick Boozer and 11th overall selection Lendeborg. Both produced strong statistical performances, although Boozer’s late-game heroics ultimately decided the contest.
Memphis will next visit the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, October 25, while Golden State is scheduled to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, October 24.
For the Grizzlies, the comeback is an early confidence boost. For the Warriors, it is a reminder that even a double-digit lead can disappear when a team fails to score in crunch time.
