NBA Play-In Tournament: Warriors And Magic Earn Playoff Spots With Key Victories

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In a thrilling Play-In Tournament, Jimmy Butler scored 38 points, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Stephen Curry added 37 points, securing the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Warriors will face the Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven series starting Sunday. Butler's performance relieved pressure from Curry, who hit crucial three-pointers late in the game.

Memphis had a final opportunity after Curry's free throws with 5.4 seconds left, but Santi Aldama failed to inbound within five seconds. Desmond Bane and Ja Morant contributed 30 and 22 points respectively for Memphis. They will host the Mavericks-Kings winner on Wednesday to determine the eighth playoff spot.

Butler's stellar play included a pivotal steal and dunk during Memphis' third-quarter surge. He shot 12 of 20, marking his second consecutive 30-point game since joining Golden State at the trade deadline. His free throw accuracy was notable, converting 12 of 18 attempts.

Ja Morant overcame an ankle injury after stepping on Buddy Hield's foot and being fouled by Quinten Post. Despite this, he completed a three-point play, bringing Memphis within one point at 82-81. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 18 points for Memphis, while Zach Edey added 14 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.

Cole Anthony led Orlando Magic off the bench with 26 points and six assists in their Play-In Tournament opener against Atlanta Hawks. The Magic secured a decisive 120-95 win, earning them the Eastern Conference's seventh seed. They will face Boston Celtics in a first-round series starting Sunday.

Paolo Banchero contributed significantly with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for Orlando. Wendell Carter Jr. added another strong performance with 19 points and seven rebounds. Anthony Black also made an impact off the bench with efficient shooting.

The Hawks struggled offensively in key moments, scoring only two points in the last six minutes of the first quarter. Trae Young led Atlanta with 28 points before being ejected after receiving two technical fouls late in the game.

The Hawks have previously reached playoffs via play-in games twice in three seasons. They will compete for the eighth spot at home on Friday against either Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat based on Wednesday’s outcome.