The Memphis Grizzlies returned to FedExForum Tuesday night to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series. The Grizzlies’ 111-109 victory puts them 3-2 in the series, with an opportunity to advance to the next round with a Game 6 win.
Let’s get into it.
First and foremost, let’s just get this part out of the way — the Grizzlies started out strong in the first quarter and then stunk up the court until the fourth quarter. Obviously, they were able to grind out a win, but there were some troubling moments in which this Memphis team looked nothing like the team we have seen all season long.
Ja Morant came up big in the fourth quarter, but Brandon Clarke was a true hero throughout the game, and throughout the series. Shoutout, Canada!
However …
We need to talk about free-throw shooting, more specifically the lack of accurate free-throw shooting. YGTMYFT. Scoring with the clock stopped is invaluable, especially during games as closely officiated as this series has been. They literally cost nothing; it is right there in the name. Free throws. Free throws.
Missed free throws have been a thorn in the Grizzlies’ side most of the series, and missed free throws were a big factor in their Game 4 loss. Had the Grizzlies not managed to eke out a victory, they would have been a contributing factor in Game 5 as well. Thirteen missed free throws in a game y’all won by two? Can we please not?
By the Numbers:
Ja Morant led all scorers with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. And gave us the best in-game dunk of the series. It seems only fitting that the best in-game dunk of the series came during the quarter in which Morant went Super Sayan and put up 18 points.
Desmond Bane dropped 25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Bane has been an offensive force during this series and one of the most consistent players on the court.
Brandon Clarke put up 21 points and 15 rebounds off the bench and once again proved he is an underrated and invaluable member of this squad.
Usher showed up to hang out with Morant. Please enjoy this amazing picture.
Things the Grizzlies need to advance to the semifinals:
Twelve gotta be 12 — Ja Morant has come up huge in clutch moments but that does not negate the fact that he has struggled noticeably throughout the series.
And 13 has to stop fouling — Jaren Jackson Jr. fouled out in the fourth last night. It was the second game in the series where he has fouled out, and he has spent nearly all of the series in foul trouble. With Steven Adams being sidelined due to a poor matchup against Karl Anthony Towns, Jackson must step up and assume the mantle of the best big man on the court.
Dillon Brooks, please stop jacking up so many threes. Your shot has not been falling, but your defense has been on point. Please just drive to the basket more.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are headed back to Minnesota, where they will play Game 6 against the Timberwolves. Tip-off time has yet to be announced.
