It could be history in the making when the Golden State Warriors play the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, as the reigning NBA champions are one win away from holding the best record in NBA history.
If the Warriors (72-9) can put the finishing touches on a historic regular-season run in their final game before the playoffs, they will top the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the all-time mark. Standing in their way is an always game Grizzlies squad that nearly defeated them less than a week ago, but was blown out by 50 in their last trip to Oracle Arena.
Game Info:
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, Calif.
TV: ESPN
Spread: Warriors by 19
O/U: 211.5
Keys To The Game
The key to a Golden State victory is holding onto the ball. In all of their second-half losses this season, as well as their near loss to Memphis on Saturday, the Warriors have struggled with turnovers. But the real decider in the game could be if Grizzlies head coach David Joerger cares who his team faces in the first round of the postseason. With just one game left to play, Memphis is locked in a battle with the Dallas Mavericks for the No. 6 seed in the West. Joerger would likely prefer that his team avoid the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs in the first round, but it's not like the No. 3 Oklahoma City Thunder are a walk in the park either.
What They're Saying About Warriors vs. Grizzlies:
Matt Barnes: Grizzlies 'have a chance to interrupt history' (Sports Illustrated)
Why the Warriors are on the cusp of making history (Yahoo Sports)
David Joerger: Griz 'going to give it our best shot' vs Warriors (ESPN)
Klay on possibility of 73: Pinch myself every time (ESPN)
Steph Talks 73 Win Record (Warriors World)
Prediction: Warriors win 115-105
Both teams have plenty to play for in this game, but there's no reason for the Warriors not to be at their best with a chance to put their team in the record books. Less experienced teams could press with history on the line, but Golden State has risen to the occasion time and time again this season. The Grizzlies will play hard, but ultimately be outdueled down the stretch.