MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Timberwolves have made one of the greatest comebacks in NBA playoff history. Memphis GrizzliesThey fought back from a 26 point deficit to win the game on Thursday night Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95. It is not surprising that the Grizzlies currently lead the best of seven first-round series 2-1.
“We all know that the game is never over until there’s zero on the clock,” Grizzlies guard Ja Morant said.
The night started badly for the Grizzlies. They fell behind 12-0 at the first tip. Timberwolves D’Angelo Russell of the Timberwolves, who was struggling in the series’, found his rhythm against a Memphis defense that was beleaguered in the pick and roll game. The Grizzlies sent two teams early to the Timberwolves center. Karl-Anthony TownsBut, they failed to account the rest of the Timberwolves attack.
“We didn’t get the start that we wanted,” Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane said. “We lost our juice. “We were kind of flailing.”
Minnesota led seven to seven for the Grizzlies at halftime. But Minnesota responded with a dominating third quarter that saw them extend their lead to 25 points. With 8:33 left, the Grizzlies scored a 21-0 surge that tied the game at 83 to 83. This surge was fuelled in large part by Memphis reserves including Tyus JonesAnd Brandon ClarkeThe bench had 11 and 20 points respectively for Morant. The bench gave a lift to starters Morant (big man) on a night that was difficult. Jaren Jackson Jr. And Dillon Brooks struggled.
“[My teammates]Morant stated that Morant shot just 5-of-18 to score 16 points and added 10 rebounds as well as 10 assists. “We consider ourselves to be the deepest team within the league.”
Minnesota was outscored 37-12 by Memphis in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies’ aggressive defense played a crucial role in their rally. Overall, the Grizzlies contested 35 of the Timberwolves’ 39 attempts in the second half, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies coach, stated that the defense was strong despite the Grizzlies’ struggles.
“I thought that our defensive edge was there especially when I needed it.” [the Timberwolves]Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies coach said that the team was “throwing haymakers” and had made big-time hits. “The guys know the themes of the series and they stay consistent in that area. While I don’t believe we can hold them to 95, credit to the men for keeping active, even when your offense has been severely struggling.
Towns was especially frustrated by the Grizzlies. Chris Finch, Wolves coach, stated afterward that Memphis’ defensive strategy against Towns was “they” and “they swarm them everywhere.” He was unable to score on four of the Grizzlies’ field goals, which is the lowest number in his NBA career. He also picked up five fouls. He ended up with eight points.
Towns was asked what he would do if he could pick up his teammates. He replied, “Go home, have some wine.” Keep moving on to the next day.
Towns stated that “for me at least — and I speak for myself — but think about what brought me here, what brought us here,” “Our support systems and our work, as well as each other. We just have to look on that.”
The Grizzlies’ historic 26-point comeback game 3 in Game 3 was defeated in the postseason only by the 2019 LA Clippers, who led Golden State by 31 points and the 2012 Clippers by 27, respectively.
Bane said, “I’ve never been down 20 again and won.” It was a strange game.
The locker room and visiting tunnel were filled with celebratory shouts after the game. Bane called it an “emotional win”. Morant was booed by the Minneapolis crowd every time he touched it throughout the night. These two teams are known for being cocky, young teams that love trash talking and have earned the nickname “The Two Teams”.
Morant earlier in the day stated that he liked playing in front hostile crowds and “sending fans home mad.” Morant did just that Thursday night.
He said, “I’m disrespectful like they are disrespectful.”