The Golden State Warriors entered Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals up 3-1, with a chance to end the Memphis Grizzlies‘ playoff run.
Ahead of the potential series closer, Stephen Curry gave Kendra Andrews some insight on Golden State’s mentality, saying:
“Whoop that trick! That is our game plan.”
“Whoop That Trick” is a song by Memphis-born rapper Al Kapone. It was also performed by Terrence Howard in the movie “Hustle & Flow.” It has since become the Grizzlies’ unofficial anthem that is played in FedExForum during late-game moments.
Unfortunately for Curry & Co., the game didn’t go as planned. The Grizzlies put up a 134-95 thrashing to avoid elimination.
Memphis hit the ground running, scoring 77 points in the first half, the second-most in a playoff game all-time by any team facing elimination, while the Warriors put up 50.
The home team didn’t slow down in the second half, either. They led by as many as 55 points — the second-largest lead at any point of a playoff game over the last 25 years.
The 39-point win by the Grizzlies is the largest by any team this postseason.
Late in the fourth quarter, the home crowd rejoiced as the song blared throughout the arena. Despite the deficit, Curry and Draymond Green appeared to enjoy the chant.
WHOOP THAT TRICK… Steph and Draymond enjoying it. pic.twitter.com/rZuatdxO8N
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 12, 2022