OAKLAND – After taking a 10-point halftime lead, the Warriors scored only 37 points in the second half and overtime and took an 88-81 loss to Memphis on Wednesday night at Oracle Arena.
Though five Warriors scored in double figures, led by Klay Thompson's 21 points, the loss snapped their season-opening five-game win streak at home.
More alarming, the Warriors are now 1-4 against Western Conference contenders, having beaten Oklahoma City but losing twice to Memphis and once each to San Antonio and the Clippers.
Playing without star point guard Stephen Curry, the Warriors started well behind Andre Iguodala at the point. Iguodala, who primarily plays forward, finished with 7 points and 14 assists but also had four turnovers.
The Warriors were victimized in the second half by Memphis power forward Zach Randolph, who offset a 6-point first half by scoring 15 after intermission. His 21 points led Grizzlies scorers, with point guard Mike Conley adding 19.
Mostly, though, it was a matter of the Warriors not being able to run an effective offense, particularly in the late going. With several opportunities in the final two minutes, they never managed a good shot.
The Warriors have now lost 11 straight to the Grizzlies. Their last win over Memphis came on Nov. 3, 2010.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES: Thompson's 21 points were supported by 18 from forward David Lee and 16 from Harrison Barnes, who started in place of Iguodala at small forward.
Barnes, making his second start of the season, added eight rebounds and five assists. Center Andrew Bogut finished with 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
TURNING POINT: At no point over the final eight minutes of regulation were the teams separated by more than 2 points, but the Grizzlies outscored the Warriors 13-6 in OT.
INJURY UPDATE: Rookie Ognjen Kuzmic whacked his right hand against the backboard in the first quarter, fracturing the fifth metacarpal. He is out indefinitely.
Curry (mild concussion) is listed as day-to-day, though he has not yet been cleared to play the next game.
Backup center Jermaine O'Neal (bruised right knee/right groin strain) missed his second straight game. He is riding the stationary bike and running but also listed as day-to-day.
Backup point guard Toney Douglas (stress reaction in left tibia) remains out and is not expected to return before the Warriors begin a four-game road trip next week.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Warriors went to Oakland International immediately after the game for a flight to Los Angeles, where they meet the Lakers at Staples Center on Friday night.
Curry accompanied the team to the airport, suggesting there is a strong possibility he will be back in uniform for the game.
The Warriors, who posted a 125-94 home victory over the Lakers on opening night, have lost 10 in a row to the Lakers at Staples, their last victory coming on March 23, 2008.
