Grizzlies-Warriors Rivalry Evolves Into Relationships Across the NBA

Once defined by animosity, the matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors now highlights the bonds between players and families.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:04am

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The once fierce rivalry between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors has evolved into a meeting of relationships across the NBA. Many of the central figures from past showdowns are gone, but new connections have formed - from brothers Cam and Pat Spencer facing off, to former college teammates Will Richard and Walter Clayton Jr. now lining up on opposite sides, to young Grizzlies player Jaylen Wells receiving mentorship from Warriors veteran Draymond Green. The stage may have changed, but the shared dreams and bonds between these players remain.

Why it matters

The shift from rivalry to relationships reflects the broader evolution of the NBA, where personal connections and mentorships are becoming as important as on-court competition. This story highlights how the league is fostering a sense of community among players, even as they face off as opponents.

The details

In the latest Grizzlies-Warriors matchup, Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies and his brother Pat Spencer of the Warriors shared a rare moment together on the bench before tipoff. After the game, Tee Morant, father of Grizzlies star Ja Morant, waited near the visitors' tunnel to catch up with Warriors' Draymond Green. Meanwhile, former college teammates Will Richard and Walter Clayton Jr. lined up as opponents, their bond running deeper than just shared minutes on the court. Young Grizzlies player Jaylen Wells also sought out advice from veteran Green, who has navigated the ups and downs of an NBA career.

  • The Grizzlies and Warriors have faced off in several fierce matchups over the past six years, including two play-in clashes and a second-round playoff series.
  • The latest game between the two teams was played on February 25, 2026.

The players

Cam Spencer

A guard for the Memphis Grizzlies and the brother of Warriors guard Pat Spencer.

Pat Spencer

A guard for the Golden State Warriors and the brother of Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer.

Tee Morant

The father of Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who has mentored young Grizzlies player Jaylen Wells.

Will Richard

A guard for the Golden State Warriors who previously played with Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. at the University of Florida.

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What they’re saying

“It's that weird balance of growing up in the driveway and all those battles to actually playing against him on an NBA floor. It's still always a really cool moment for us and our family.”

— Cam Spencer, Grizzlies guard

“We still compete at everything. But when we're not competing, we're each other's biggest fan for sure.”

— Pat Spencer, Warriors guard

“All the work we put in at Florida — seeing both of us in the league now — it's special. It makes it fun.”

— Will Richard, Warriors guard (The Commercial Appeal)

What’s next

The Grizzlies and Warriors are scheduled to face off again on March 15, 2026, providing another opportunity for the growing relationships between players to be on display.

The takeaway

The evolving dynamic between the Grizzlies and Warriors reflects the broader shift in the NBA, where personal connections and mentorships are becoming as important as on-court rivalries. This story highlights how the league is fostering a sense of community that transcends the battle lines of competition.