The Golden State Warriors' quest for NBA history is still alive - barely.
Draymond Green had the go-ahead tip-in with a minute to play Saturday night and the visiting Warriors hung on for their 71st victory of the season, a 100-99 triumph over the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies.
Green had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Golden State (71-9), who survived poor shooting from superstar Stephen Curry and kept alive their chances for 73 wins, which would break the all-time record of 72-10 set by Michael Jordan and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
"I want people to remember me as a winner," Green said.
"I've always said that. To have the all-time wins record, that speaks for itself."
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The Warriors have made no secret of their desire to break the record.
While other teams are resting players as the playoffs approach next weekend, Golden State have pursued history, and the stress may be taking a toll.
In the last two weeks, the defending champions needed overtime to win at Utah and suffered their first two home losses of the season to Boston and Minnesota. On Sunday, the Warriors visit San Antonio, where they lost on March 19. They close the season Wednesday by hosting Memphis.
"It might rejuvenate us once we get - hopefully - these next two wins," Curry said.
"We're doing okay right now but we haven't played our best so we've gotta find that as we look forward to next week."
In a game that featured 13 ties and 18 lead changes, the Warriors had to rally to beat the Grizzlies (42-38), who have used a record 28 players this season. Golden State trailed, 78-70, entering the fourth quarter and 93-84 with 5:09 left after three free throws by Matt Barnes, who had 24 points and 15 rebounds.
"We came out just kind of blah," said Curry, who made just 3-of-14 three-pointers.
"We had to play with purpose, play with passion and that's what we did down the stretch."
Three-pointers by Curry and Andre Iguodala and a layup by Green made it a one-point game before consecutive baskets by Zach Randolph rebuilt the lead to 97-92 with 2:24 remaining.
But Green had a three-point play and Harrison Barnes drilled a three-pointer to give the Warriors a 98-97 edge with 1:13 to play.
Two free throws by Matt Barnes gave Memphis their last lead before Green tipped in a miss by Curry. Green forced a miss by Randolph and Klay Thompson bothered Lance Stephenson on a pair of shots as Golden State survived.
"Tonight was a weird one," said Curry, who had 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. "We couldn't find any mojo."
Thompson scored 20 points and Harrison Barnes added 14 for the Warriors, whose 33 road wins tie the record set by the 1995-96 Bulls.
Vince Carter scored 15 points, Stephenson added 13 and Randolph 12 for the shorthanded Grizzlies, who have lost eight of nine and are just a half-game ahead of Dallas for sixth place in the Western Conference.
Atlanta Hawks, Boston, Chicago, Minnesota, Sacramento and Phoenix Suns all enjoyed wins.
