The Minnesota Timberwolves hit key free throws down the stretch to upset the Memphis Grizzlies, 89-85, in the second round of the Las Vegas Summer League tournament Thursday at Thomas and Mack Center.
Trailing 82-81 with 2:15 to play, the 24th-seeded Timberwolves hit 6 of 8 free throws to outscore No. 8 Memphis, 8-3, in the last minute and a half. The Grizzlies went nearly three minutes with only one field goal, a 3-pointer by Levi Randolph with 4.3 seconds remaining that was inconsequential.
In a game with seven lead changes and 13 ties, Minnesota enjoyed a hot hand throughout, shooting 49.2 percent from the field, including 7 of 14 from the 3-point line. While they found their stroke from the foul line late, the Timberwolves were only 18 of 27 from the charity stripe.
Tyus Jones led the Timberwolves (2-3) with 26 points and 10 assists. Silas totaled 12 points on 3-for-4 shooting from 3-point range. Coty Clarke paced the reserves with 15 points.
Randolph finished with 26 points for Memphis (2-2), and Andrew Harrison had 16 points, going 12-for-14 from the foul line. Randy Culpepper scored 10 points off the bench. Vince Hunter totaled nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Timberwolves advance to Saturday's quarterfinals where they will play the Toronto Raptors-Golden State Warriors winner. The Grizzlies play the Atlanta Hawks on Friday in a consolation game. - TJuan Blanco via RotoWire