Key Stat of the Night
-
After the Timberwolves scored 130 points and shot 50% shooting
in Game 1, Memphis held Minnesota to just 96 points on 39.5%
shooting in Game 2. The Timberwolves, who led the league in
scoring average (115.9 points) this season, scored under 100
points just nine times during the regular season.
Key Run of the Night
-
The Grizzlies started the second half on a 25-9 run to build a
27-point lead. Memphis outscored Minnesota 36-28 in the third
period to take a 96-77 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Game Recap
The Memphis Grizzlies earned a 124-96 victory over the Minnesota
Timberwolves, setting a playoff franchise record for largest margin of
victory, as they evened the first round series 1-1.
The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant, finishing one rebound
short of a triple-double with 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds on
9-for-16 shooting. Morant was one of seven Grizzlies scoring in double
figures, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 16 points and
Desmond Bane adding 16 points and four rebounds.
Xavier Tillman Sr., who sparked the Grizzlies’ first half
run, finished with 13 points and seven rebounds while defending
Karl-Anthony Towns.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 20 points, 11 of
which came in the third quarter, and six rebounds while Towns notched his
second double-double of the series with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Grizzlies opened the second half with a 21-7 run as Morant scored 12 in
the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Memphis outscored Minnesota
64-47 in the second half and limited the Timberwolves to 39% shooting and
only six assists.
The Grizzlies outscored the Timberwolves 60-34 in paint points while
grabbing 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second chance points. The
Grizzlies also forced 20 turnovers, which turned into 28 points on the other
end.
Memphis found their rhythm on both ends of the floor in the second quarter,
outscoring the Timberwolves 27-17 and extending the lead to 60-49 at the
half. Bane led all scorers at the half with 12 points while Morant added
nine. Ten different Grizzlies scored in the first half, including 10 players
off the bench.
Next Game
The Grizzlies aim for the series lead in when the teams meet in Minnesota on
Thursday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch on Bally Sports
Southeast and listen on ESPN 92.9 FM.
Team Quotes
Team Notables
-
Memphis evened its first round series with Minnesota, 1-1. Game 3 is
Thursday, April 21, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. -
The Timberwolves, the NBA’s most prolific 3-point shooting team during the
regular season, made nine more 3-pointers than the Grizzlies in their Game
1 victory (16-7). Tonight, Memphis and Minnesota both made 11 3s, while
the Grizzlies held the Timberwolves to just 28.9% shooting from beyond the
arc. -
Memphis recorded the largest margin of victory in franchise playoff
history (+28). The Grizzlies’ previous largest margin of victory was set
in a 21-point win over the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2013 Playoffs. -
The Grizzlies’ bench outscored the Timberwolves’ second unit, 60-43, with
four Memphis reserves reaching double-digit scoring. - Memphis outscored Minnesota 60-34 in the paint.
-
The Grizzlies outrebounded the Timberwolves, 48-40. Memphis outboarded
Minnesota 14-4 on the offensive glass, leading in part to 16 more field
goal attempts. -
Tonight marked the Grizzlies’ first home playoff win since Game 4 of the
2017 First Round on April 22, 2017 vs. San Antonio.
Player Notables
-
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, nine rebounds
and 10 assists in what was his third career playoff double-double. Morant
tallied 12 points in the third quarter. -
Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 points and shot 4-of-7 from
3-point range. -
Ziaire Williams (13 points) and
Xavier Tillman Sr. (13 points) both set playoff career
highs for points. -
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points after pacing
the Timberwolves with 36 points in Game 1. -
Karl-Anthony Towns double-doubled for the second straight
game with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Grizzlies E-News
Sign up for Grizzlies E-News for the latest team news, promotions,
contests and ticket offers delivered directly to your in-box.
Connect With Us
Join the conversation about the teams plus enjoy exclusive behind the
scenes video and more.
Get the App
Download or Update the Official Grizzlies App
