Tuesday night’s game between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies was a high-stakes battle with a playoff spot on the line. In the end, it was the Warriors who came out on top, clinching a 121-116 victory at Chase Center.
Despite the win, the game saw a series of questionable officiating decisions that impacted both teams, not just the Grizzlies. From start to finish, the officials found themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
One of the most baffling moments came when Grizzlies Zach Edey picked up his fifth foul on a routine bump on Moses Moody. Memphis challenged the call, hoping for a reversal, but the ruling stood.
Edey called for his 5th foul here. Memphis challenged the call but it was upheld. pic.twitter.com/zUMt6MQqDG
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) April 16, 2025
Then Scotty Pippen Jr. was called for a shooting foul on Jimmy Butler despite minimal or no contact.
Jimmy Butler couldn't help but smile after Scotty Pippen Jr. was called for a foul here 😅pic.twitter.com/dqCXrTr8W0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 16, 2025
On the other end, Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski was whistled for a foul while attempting to block Pippen’s fast-break layup. The young guard’s stunned expression told the story as he was completely shocked by the decision.
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Brandin Podziemski was SHOCKED after he was called for a foul on this play 😳pic.twitter.com/KaMmUialwr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 16, 2025
The game also saw Draymond Green hit with a foul during a rebound battle with Edey. The Warriors attempted to challenge the call, but the referees allegedly did not acknowledge their request.
The Warriors challenge of the foul call on Draymond Green was unsuccessful.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 16, 2025
Did the referee's get this one right? 🤔pic.twitter.com/wusxemcK2c
Additionally, Kevon Looney was also called for a foul in the middle of a rebound scrum. It sent Edey to the line, where he calmly sank both free throws.
This was called a foul on Looney.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 16, 2025
pic.twitter.com/OKAciRRbgJ
Social Media Meltdown Over Officiating During The Warriors vs. Grizzlies Game
The reaction from fans was swift and furious. Across social media, NBA fans let loose on the officials. Some fans called for accountability and systemic change.
One frustrated fan tweeted, “The refs just have to have their fingerprints in at the end of this Warriors vs Grizzlies game. Shit’s crazy, like someone needs to open an investigation crazy.”
The refs just have to have their fingerprints in at the end of this Warriors vs Grizzlies game. Shit’s crazy, like someone needs to open an investigation crazy
— Kolby (@KolbyC33) April 16, 2025
Another chimed in with stronger criticism, writing, “Watching Grizzlies vs Warriors play-in game and it’s hard to be as bad as these refs have been. You almost have to be intentionally this bad, to be this bad. Figure. It. Out. @NBA seriously.”
Watching Grizzlies vs Warriors play-in game and it’s hard to be as bad as these refs have been. You almost have to be intentionally this bad, to be this bad. Figure. It. Out. @NBA seriously. Change the vetting process, install quarterly audits or require congressional hearings.
— Royal Bias (@royalbias) April 16, 2025
“Warriors vs. Grizzlies is the worst officiated game ive ever watched,” one fan wrote.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies is the worst officiated game ive ever watched
— Nate Sanway (@natesanway) April 16, 2025
One fan posted a meme with the caption, “Live look at the Refs in the Warriors vs Grizzlies games final brain cell.”
Live look at the Refs in the Warriors vs Grizzlies games final brain cell
— Kam⁰ (@ThunderUpZero) April 16, 2025
pic.twitter.com/aE4pSoLiwC
With the win, the Warriors officially secure their playoff berth and are now set to face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs. As for the Grizzlies, their journey isn’t over yet. They will face the winner of the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks game on Friday for one final shot at the eighth seed.
Also Read: Top 5 NBA Playoff Performers Who Rose When It Mattered The Most
