Tough schedule sees Warriors off to worst start since 2009

When Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry combine to record 66 points and 19 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc, one would expect the Golden State Warriors to be surging toward victory late in the fourth quarter.

Instead, Durant and Curry were both ejected in the game's final minute as the team's early-season frustrations finally boiled over. Those who remained in Saturday's game were treated to the final moments of a 111-101 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.

It's been a long time since this franchise started the season on such a down note. The last time the Dubs were sitting on a 1-2 record after three games, it was the 2009-10 season and Stephen Jackson and Andris Biedrins were in the starting lineup.

The schedule certainly hasn't worked in the Warriors' favor so far. While Memphis was playing on two days' rest, the Warriors were playing their second game in as many nights - both on the road, no less. After a ferocious comeback against the New Orleans Pelicans' bruising frontcourt Friday night, the Warriors may have simply lacked the juice to contain Marc Gasol and Co. in front of a raucous home crowd.

It just so happens that the Grizzlies were one of only two teams that beat the Warriors twice in the 2016-17 regular season. For whatever reason, the Grizzlies have put up a strong front against the Warriors in recent history. Throw in the team's relatively arduous preseason spent touring China and it wouldn't have been a complete shock if the Warriors emerged winless from three games against playoff hopefuls.

Ultimately, it was just Game 3 of 82; this team won't be judged by its early-season struggles, but by its ability to earn a third championship banner in four years.

In other words, as Durant appeared to suggest after being ejected Saturday ...

... it's all about the rings.