The confidence of the young Memphis Grizzlies is the gift that just keeps on giving.

In an ugly Game 5, the Warriors looked lazy. They were committing early turnovers, making lazy fouls, and just were not playing playoff basketball. Their poor decision-making ultimately cracked the game wide open when the Grizzlies just couldn’t miss. They seemed to capitalize on every mistake, their defense looked rejuvenated, and it’s become just that much clearer why this team was so good even without Ja Morant.

A bone bruise in his knee sidelining him won’t stop Morant from having his fun, though. Late in the game, Ziaire Williams drilled a three that drew a foul on a hard closeout from his defender. In response, Morant popped up from the bench and did a celebration for his teammate that Warriors fans have come to be very familiar with.

While this celebration isn’t unique to Steph Curry, there aren’t many other players in the league who you can find doing it as often. It’s one of his signatures for a rare play, a play few others than Steph can make on a regular basis. It’s unclear if Ja was really taking a shot here, but it certainly looks like that’s his intent given the environment and opponent on the floor in Memphis. Not to mention, this series has had a lot of shots thrown from both sides; it’s been a real gritty stretch of games, rife with injuries, ejections, and trash-talk.

The Grizzlies have to be feeling good after that Game 5 win. They executed down the stretch and capitalized on the Warriors getting complacent, which ultimately led them to a blowout win at home. It will be interesting if that loss - and maybe this play, because we all know how Steph can take some things personally and transform that fire into incredible basketball - lights a spark and a sense of urgency with the Warriors.

Golden State should be viewing Game 6 as a must-win. They are up 3-2 on their home court, a place where they’ve been dominant through the playoffs, and a loss tonight would be a massive hit for morale. Game 7 in Memphis is not something the Warriors want to go to, especially if their play remains as poor as it’s been. Game 6 tips off tonight at 7pm on ESPN’s National Broadcast, and should be an electric event.

(Photo credit: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)