Pat Spencer emphasized the Warriors’ defensive intensity in Monday’s 114-113 comeback over the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. “I think we picked up the intensity defensively… the intensity was really what picked up,” he said, reflecting on the team’s late-game surge.
The guard acknowledged a slow start. “We just didn’t come out with enough energy. Obviously, it’s a young team… just have to match that intensity from the jump,” Spencer explained.
Spencer credited Al Horford’s leadership for stabilizing the team on both ends. “He’s unreal… you can get him the ball, the offense slows down, he gets guys organized, he’s going to make the right play the majority of the time,” he said. He added, “He works on the things that he does really well… super fundamental but in the best way possible.”
The veteran also highlighted his relationship with Gui Santos, who scored the go-ahead layup with 19 seconds remaining. “I’m pumped for Gui… we spent so much time together… it’s pretty special. Our first year here was together… I’m really happy for him,” Spencer said.
Spencer described how the team adjusts intensity during games. “Sometimes it’s schematically, sometimes it’s defensive, sometimes it’s offensive… ultimately, sometimes just a competitive spirit needs to collectively pick up,” he said.
He praised Brandin Podziemski for a key defensive stop on the final possession. “Just a headsy play by BP to stay down and force a tough one… happy we got the victory,” Spencer said.
The guard discussed Santos’ expanding role as a playmaker. “He’s really crafty off the balance… stronger than people probably give him credit for… very easy to play with… has the ability to get into the paint,” Spencer said.
Golden State overcame a 113-103 deficit in the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run, turning stops into transition opportunities. Santos’ decisive basket capped the rally, and Horford’s late steal sealed the win, underscoring the Warriors’ execution in critical moments.
Spencer’s 17 points and seven assists led seven Warriors in double figures, while Santos, Brandin Podziemski, and Horford each scored 16. The win kept Golden State in eighth place in the Western Conference at 29-25, while Memphis dropped to 20-32 after losing nine of its last 11 games.
The Warriors return home to face San Antonio on Wednesday, and the Grizzlies travel to Denver to conclude a five-game road trip before the All-Star break.
