It appears that “no running in the M” extends to Minnesota, and Memphis moves to 2-1 in the series after defeating the Timberwolves in Game 3, 104-95.
Let’s get into it.
It was a hard-fought victory for this Grizzlies team coming back from 26 points down. But they climbed the chimney and proved that they want — and can handle — all the smoke.
Minnesota opened the game firing on all cylinders and outscored Memphis 39-21 in the first quarter. The Grizzlies were able to cut into that lead in the second quarter while holding the Timberwolves to just 12 points in the period. At the halftime mark, the Grizzlies were down by 7 but finished the half with momentum. Minnesota ran the score back up to a 26 point lead during the third quarter, and then all hell broke loose.
The Grizzlies outscored the Timberwolves 50-16 in the last 15 minutes of the game. Not only did they overcome a franchise record deficit of 26 points in a playoff game, but they also managed to hold the number-one scoring team in the league to under 100 points.
The Timberwolves led wire to wire until the Grizzlies managed to pull away midway through the fourth quarter.
Brandon Clarke was instrumental in punching back against Minnesota in game three, making solid plays on both ends of the floor, not giving up on plays, and making all his free throws.
The Grizzlies performance did not go unnoticed around the league. Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA, said this when speaking about Game 3, “The Timberwolves are dumb. Why didn’t Chris Finch call for time when Memphis got on a 21-0 run?”
Chuck blames this loss on the Timberwolves’ youth and inexperience. But the Grizzlies are a similarly youthful team and yet here we are. So, is it oochie wally or one mic?
Let’s see what NBA Twitter had to say about Game 3:
Current players sounded off as well:
By the Numbers:
Desmond Bane led all scorers with 26 points, 6 rebounds, two blocks, and two assists while shooting 7 of 15 from beyond the three-point line. Yet another reason why Desmond Michael Bane should have won the 2022 Most Improved Player award.
Despite his struggles, Ja Morant still managed to put up a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, and help lead his team to victory. It was the first triple-double in franchise playoff history, which is fitting in a game where the Grizzlies overcame their largest playoff deficit in franchise history.
Brandon Clarke brought 20 points and 8 rebounds, including shooting 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Clarke has struggled at the line all season long, averaging 65 percent from the charity stripe.
Tyus Jones put up 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jones led the charge on the floor late in the fourth quarter, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that gave Memphis the lead.
Side note: The Grizzlies front office better run Tyus Jones his money this summer. He has more than proven his value — without Jones Memphis would not have won this game.
Steven Adams was a DNP-CD for game three, which was kind of surprising. There is a happy medium that Taylor Jenkins will need to find for Adams going forward in this series. Something between zero minutes and starting center minutes. But as long as they keep winning, Adams doesn’t care and I don’t either.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 21 minutes of playing time.
Please enjoy this clip of Ja Morant talking postgame to Brandon Clarke as he takes the podium.
Who Got Next?
Game Four in the series will be played in Minnesota on Saturday, April 23rd, with tip-off at 9 p.m. CDT.
