The injured Grizzlies defeated the slumping Warriors on Martin Luther King Day and Vince Williams Jr. enjoyed a breakout performance.
It was an outstanding showing for Williams, who posted his NBA career-best marks in points (24) as well as 3-pointers (3) and free throws (9) while in the starting lineup. But perhaps his best contribution to the game was his defense guarding Stephen Curry.
He finished with two steals and one block, forcing multiple turnovers against the two-time MVP.
Vince Williams smiling while guarding Steph Curry is hilarious pic.twitter.com/Rw9fOiEo6T
— eric (@EricTweetsNBA) January 16, 2024
RELATED: Get to know Grizzlies’ Vince Williams Jr., a 3-and-D standout
The 23-year-old former second-round pick seemed happy with himself while on the court, too, and flashed a massive smile during while assigned to Curry in the first half. It was great to see him, like his teammate GG Jackson, truly appreciate the joy in the game.
This play was captured by USA TODAY Sports photographer Petre Thomas. Although this was perhaps the most photogenic moment, Williams drew the assignment against the legendary 3-point shooter for most of the game.
Watch Vince Williams Jr guarding Curry here.
Remind you of anyone, Grizzlies fans? pic.twitter.com/ORhWpn7cJc
— Cole (@CREAMYCOLE_) January 16, 2024
He showed no fear against Curry and was an irritant the entire night.
Williams guarded Curry for 42.0 partial possessions during the victory, according to NBA.com. The four-time NBA champion was held to 3.3 points per 100 possessions fewer than his season average during these opportunities.
This season, Williams is one of the best defenders at the point of attack. He currently ranks 97th percentile in the catch-all metric Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (D-EPM), per dunksandthrees.com.
His two-way contract was recently converted to a three-year, $7.9 million deal. That was the most guaranteed money ever given to a player after his two-way contract was converted, via ESPN.
While the injuries to key players on the Memphis roster are unfortunate, it is also great to see that it has led to opportunities for players like Williams and Jackson to contribute at a high level and enjoy themselves in the process.
