THE Golden State Warriors’ quest to become a big part of NBA history remains alive — barely.

    Golden State, seeking to become the first team in league history to win 73 games during the regular season, was nearly denied the opportunity by the slumping, injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies.

    Memphis, which had lost 11 of its past 14, led most of the final quarter before falling to the Warriors 100-99 Saturday.

    Golden State, which rested starting center Andrew Bogut, had difficulty against a team it had beaten soundly in two earlier games — including a 50-point win at home.

    Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson struggled from long range going a combined 5 for 24, but Draymond Green rescued the Warriors with 23 points, including the game-winning tip-in with a minute to go. He also had 11 rebounds.

    Thompson added 20 points and Curry finished with 17, although he went 3 for 14 from beyond the arc.

    Matt Barnes led the Grizzlies with 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Vince Carter scored 15.

    Memphis had a chance to win in the final eight seconds, but Lance Stephenson missed two shots — one from close range and a desperation fadeaway at the buzzer.

    Curry didn’t make his first 3-pointer until 7:36 to go in the third quarter. He missed his first five attempts, but finally connected to extend his consecutive game streak of at least one 3-pointer to 150.

    (SD-Agencies)