The Memphis Grizzlies appeared to be dead in the water at the FedExForum on Monday night, while the Minnesota Timberwolves looked to be in command, ahead by 16 in the fourth. A 14-point deficit loomed over the Grizzlies with less than five minutes remaining.
When it was all said and done, the Grizzlies emerged victorious in overtime, 125-118, over the Timberwolves. With the most recent victory, the Grizzlies have now beaten the Timberwolves seven times in a row.
After the game, Taylor Jenkins talked about his team’s perseverance. He said, “The positive vibes throughout, the guys knew that [it’s a] long game, we have more to give. They went on a crazy run there. We went cold, down 16 in the fourth quarter. Just to hear the guys saying there’s tons of time left, there’s six minutes left, 12 point game, we knock down these free throws — it’s a 10 point game. Just that confidence and you get the result.”
Jenkins added, “Some crazy plays down the stretch that forced it to overtime, that will really test your resolve and your spirit going into overtime with a momentum play like that, but we’re the ones that jump out to the lead in overtime. I think a couple quick buckets and then we just made the plays. Our guys were dialed in on the fly defensively, offensively. Tons of credit. Hopefully, this is something that we can build off of. Find consistency. There’s lots of different ways to win a game. This is an impressive one for sure.”
Brandon Clarke, who had been the odd man out of the Grizzlies rotation, played a critical part in their comeback win with his best game of the season.
Jenkins applauded Clarke’s crucial contribution off the bench. “I’ve definitely got to shout out Brandon Clarke — he’s been out of the rotation for a while,” Jenkins said. “He was huge tonight early in the game and then he’s out. And then when Jaren [Jackson Jr.] fouls out, still it had been a really long time since he had been in the game, and now he’s got to read and guard one-on-one and a couple big time tip-in plays. He was huge.”
In 24 minutes, Clarke led the bench with a season-high 20 points and nine rebounds. Clarke was thankful about his return to the lineup. “I am just glad that coach had trust in me,” he shared. “I have been working on my game every day and training. I have been ready every game, so I am just glad that coach had that trust. I am just glad that coach saw me working, and that he knew when he put me in the game I would be able to be me. It is really just me bringing my energy. That really makes me.”
Clarke admitted it was difficult being out of the rotation. “It was kind of hard mentally,” the 25-year old said. “It was harder last year when I wasn’t in the rotation, because that was the first time that happened to me. I learned from last year not to get down and I knew how fast things change. It was really early in the year, so I was never really down mentally. I wasn’t happy, but I was never down. I was always putting in the work, and I felt like whenever I was given the chance, that I would just try to make the best of it.”
Tidbits
Ja Morant continues to amazes. The 22-year-old finished with 33 points, eight assists, and six rebounds on 10-of-24 shooting. According to the Grizzlies, Morant now ranks fifth in the NBA, averaging 5.3 points per game in “clutch time.” Take a look at two clutch plays.
Move over Morant — De’Anthony Melton has hoops too.
Melton chipped in 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists while shooting 7-of-12 from the field.
The Grizzlies’ bench outscored the Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench 43-16 while shooting 61 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves had three players with 20 plus points. D’Angelo Russell scored season-high 30 points adding seven assists and five rebounds. Anthony Edwards added 27 points with five rebounds and three steals, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double by 25 points and grabbing 13 boards.
Up next
On Wednesday, the Grizzlies will face off against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets at the FedExForum. Tip-off: 7 p.m. CT
