The NBA Play-In Tournament tipped off with high stakes and even higher drama — and fans weren’t disappointed. Two crucial matchups set the tone for the postseason, with one powerhouse flexing its muscles and another game delivering a Hollywood-worthy finish.

Golden State Warriors Edge Grizzlies in Thriller, Set Date with Houston

The Golden State Warriors locked in the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference after a nerve-shredding 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a classic Play-In battle — fast, physical, and down to the wire.

Despite giving everything on the court, Memphis fell just short. Ja Morant rolled his ankle early but soldiered on. Scotty Pippen Jr. missed a critical layup on a fast break with the Grizzlies trailing 117-113, then missed a vital free throw moments later. As if cursed by the basketball gods, Santi Aldama failed to inbound the ball with five seconds left and his team down by three, sealing Memphis' fate.

For Golden State, their stars shone under pressure. Jimmy Butler poured in 38 points in a dominant showing, while the ever-electrifying Stephen Curry added 37 of his own — proving once again why the Warriors are never out of the fight when their core is firing.

Orlando Magic Crush Atlanta Hawks, Clinch 7th Seed in the East

Out East, the Orlando Magic steamrolled the Atlanta Hawks 120-95, clinching the No. 7 seed and sending a strong message to the rest of the conference. The star of the night? Cole Anthony, who exploded off the bench with 26 points in just 20 minutes, torching Atlanta’s defense and energizing the home crowd.