Grizzlies’ Tuomas Iisalo Discusses Challenge of Facing Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, struggling to keep up in their first road game of the season. After winning two of their first three games, Memphis faced a major early-season test in San Francisco but ultimately came up short, losing 131–118 after trailing by as many as 22 points.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points and nine assists, but Golden State’s balanced offense proved too much — with four players scoring over 20 points — leaving Memphis searching for answers.
Following the loss, head coach Tuomas Iisalo broke down what makes the Warriors such a tough opponent.
“They’re a very good, veteran, and intelligent team,” Iisalo said. “They’ve played together for a long time and have counters for nearly every defensive adjustment. Steph Curry’s excellence and movement create a gravitational pull that opens up easy looks for others. Everyone buys into their system, and they defend well. It’s a very difficult team to play against.”
The Warriors’ success continues to revolve around the trio of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — players whose experience and leadership complement their talent. With Steve Kerr’s steady coaching and a roster full of high-IQ veterans, Golden State uses its experience to expose younger, less-seasoned teams like Memphis.
Still, there are positives for the Grizzlies. Even with Monday’s setback dropping them to 2–2, the team has shown potential early in the season. Morant looks more mature and in control, and Memphis has been competitive despite missing five key players.
Once the roster is fully healthy, the Grizzlies could become a serious threat in the Western Conference. For Iisalo, who’s in his first year as an NBA head coach, the matchup against the Warriors serves as a valuable learning experience and a glimpse into the standard of excellence he hopes to build in Memphis.
The Grizzlies will look to rebound when they take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
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