Short-handed Warriors Defeat Grizzlies Behind Richard's 21 Points

Golden State overcomes injuries to key players in convincing road win.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The Golden State Warriors, playing without several key starters including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 133-112 on Wednesday. Will Richard led the way with 21 points, while Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski each added 19 points. The Warriors shot 19-for-46 from 3-point range as a team. Memphis was without star guard Ja Morant and several other injured starters, and was outrebounded 48-34 in the loss.

Why it matters

The Warriors' ability to win convincingly on the road without multiple starters demonstrates their depth and resilience, even as they continue to deal with injuries. For the Grizzlies, the loss highlights their own injury woes and the challenges they face in remaining competitive in the Western Conference playoff race without their full roster.

The details

The Warriors pulled away in the second quarter with a 13-0 run to take a 63-39 lead. They led 74-53 at halftime. Memphis made a push in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 12 points, but the Warriors responded with a 12-2 run to regain control. Will Richard scored 21 points to lead the Warriors, while Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski each added 19. GG Jackson had 24 points and 8 rebounds for the Grizzlies in the loss.

  • The Warriors were without Stephen Curry (knee) for the 9th straight game.
  • Draymond Green (back), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Jimmy Butler III (torn ACL) also missed the game for the Warriors.
  • Ja Morant missed his 15th straight game for the Grizzlies with an elbow injury.

The players

Will Richard

A Warriors player who scored a team-high 21 points in the win.

Gary Payton II

A Warriors player who scored 19 points off the bench.

Brandin Podziemski

A Warriors player who also scored 19 points in the victory.

GG Jackson

A Grizzlies player who led his team with 24 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star guard who missed his 15th straight game due to an elbow injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Warriors' ability to win convincingly on the road without multiple starters demonstrates their depth and resilience, even as they continue to deal with injuries. For the Grizzlies, the loss highlights their own injury woes and the challenges they face in remaining competitive in the Western Conference playoff race without their full roster.