Grizzlies vs Timberwolves – Sport Abstract – February 24, 2023 – ESPN

Grizzlies vs Timberwolves - Game Summary - February 24, 2023 - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — Karl-Anthony Cities was off the bench at Minnesota within the fourth quarter with 5 fouls. Anthony Edwards was having an extended night time with the ball.

D’Angelo Russell had no hassle taking on a playoff efficiency by the rookie Timberwolves.

Russell earned 23 of his 37 factors within the fourth quarter, together with a 3-time tiebreaker with 1:23 left, to steer the Timberwolves over the Memphis Grizzlies 119-114 on Thursday.

“They can not cease us all. I believe that is the toughest factor for any staff to cease the three of us,” Russell mentioned. “If one thing is not working, we see the following plan working.”

Cities added 22 factors and 11 rebounds and Malik Paisley scored 17 factors in a 5-for-7 shot from a 3-point vary for the Timberwolves, who labored their method right into a break up four-game season in opposition to the Grizzlies. They might meet once more, in fact, within the playoffs.

“We really feel we’re enjoying with this staff very well. We really feel like we match one another,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch mentioned. “We really feel we ought to be no less than 3-1 in opposition to them this season. They discovered methods to finally beat us.”

Not this time, when the Ja Morant 3 pointer was off the highest of the swap with 5 seconds left quick. He was effectively guarded by Edwards, who celebrated the defensive success afterwards as if it was a 40-point match.

“I all the time inform individuals I would slightly get an opportunity to avoid wasting the sport over a game-winning shot. I am happy with that, and I really feel like anybody can take a game-winning shot,” Edwards mentioned. However I do not suppose anybody can get the successful block…or cease successful the sport.”

The Grizzlies had been up 15 factors within the first quarter however misplaced their lead without end at Russell’s throw with 7:11 from the tip. Russell additionally lower ties with a triple pointer leaving 6:23 and a pair of free throws on the two-minute mark.

“He received every little thing he wished,” Finch mentioned.

The Grizzlies, one of many league’s most underrated groups who pulled off the third-best NBA document of breaking all-stars, had been finally made to run by means of psychological meltdowns in protection.

“We gave them numerous open appears to be like, fast passes, free throws,” mentioned coach Taylor Jenkins. “If we wish to be good and take the following step as a staff, we’ll all the time have the bodily benefit however we’ve got to have that psychological edge. We did not have it tonight.”

Zayer Williams and Garen Jackson Jr. every scored 21 factors for the Memphis, which averaged over 126 factors over the 6-1 stretch resulting in the All-Star break. This was removed from the Grizzlies’ greatest and sharpest efficiency, however their 59-42 rebound superiority helped preserve them in it.

Brandon Clark’s recommendation with 1:40 left gave the Grizzlies a 114 draw, however Russell – who urged Minnesota followers earlier this month to make noise – despatched followers right into a frenzy on the different finish with one other swish.

noise

Morant wasn’t at full steam after choosing up the harm within the third quarter, an harm Jenkins described as colic. Morant labored his method as much as 20 factors regardless of his 7-for-25 shot, and was by no means shy about stabbing visitors and taking the ball to the basket—usually hitting the bottom onerous after letting it go.

Morant, who grew to become the primary goalkeeper and youngest participant in Grizzlies historical past to play in an All-Star Sport final week, had them spooked when he made it into the locker room whereas grabbing his left thigh. However he returned to the fourth quarter to find out the tight finish.

“He simply wanted to stretch, and he was higher. It will clearly be sore,” Jenkins mentioned.

Trace

Grizzlies: Morant’s reserve, Teos Jones, had solely three factors and three assists in 13 minutes on the bottom he performed on in his first 4 seasons within the league. Jones additionally received the state championship at Goal Heart with Apple Valley Excessive Faculty in 2013. … The Grizzlies interrupted their five-game successful streak on the highway. They’re 21-10 away from dwelling, which is the second greatest document within the NBA.

Timberwolves: Edwards solely hit 1 for 11 to complete with 5 factors. He has solely 20 factors in his final three video games on 4 for 29, together with 1 for 17 from a 3 level vary. …Minnesota moved to a 51-50 lead within the all-time sequence with Memphis.

subsequent one

Grizzlies: Go to Chicago on Saturday.

Timberwolves: Philadelphia hosts Friday.

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