Al Horford highlighted the Warriors’ defensive grit in Monday’s 114-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. “Just a lot of grit from our group. We really had to lock in there,” he said, emphasizing how the team settled down in the final stretch.
The veteran center credited late-game execution for Golden State’s comeback. “It seemed like all game we were playing their style, very fast pace… we got stops when we needed to there at the end,” Horford said.
Horford described his role in maintaining energy and stability. “For me it was just kind of bring energy and try to bring stability… we were playing really fast, a lot going on… if we’re just solid, we give ourselves a chance,” he explained.
The 39-year-old praised ball security and defensive discipline down the stretch. “Solid with the ball, solid defensively… making sure we’re not gambling… staying solid with our assignments,” Horford said.
He also reflected on guiding younger teammates like Gui Santos and Pat Spencer. “I’ve been so impressed with Gui… he stayed the course until he got his opportunity and he’s making the most of it,” Horford said. On Spencer, he added: “He gets on the court… he’s totally different… that drive really gets us going.”
Horford described the advantages of running offense through the post. “It’s just a different way for us to attack and get ball movement… sometimes throwing it in the post and playing out of there… having that balance is good for our group,” he said.
He recounted the chaotic final possession leading to Santos’ game-winning layup. “I missed the shot… got the rebound… Gui, just his awareness is great… he made himself available, made a really good play finish at the rim,” Horford said.
Golden State overcame a 113-103 deficit in the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run. Santos’ decisive layup came with 19 seconds left, and Horford sealed the win with a late steal, underscoring the Warriors’ defensive execution.
The victory kept the Warriors in eighth place in the Western Conference at 29-25, while Memphis fell to 20-32 after losing nine of its last 11 games. Golden State will host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, and the Grizzlies travel to Denver to finish their five-game road trip before the All-Star break.
