The series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves is akin to a heavyweight boxing match. The Wolves delivered a gut-punch on Saturday by defeating the Grizzlies, 130-117, to send them reeling. On the other hand, Memphis responded with a brutal uppercut, thrashing the Wolves 124-96 on Tuesday night to tie the series 1-1.
The Grizzlies held the NBA-leading scoring offense to 96 points on 39.5 percent shooting in Game 2 after the Wolves scored 130 points and shot 50 percent in Game 1. For the first time in franchise history, Memphis won by the most points in a playoff game (+28).
In Game 2, Taylor Jenkins made much-needed adjustments that may have changed the trajectory of the series.
Bench Dominance in Game 2
Early in the first quarter, Jenkins was forced to turn to his bench for help due to foul trouble. To put it simply, the reserves had a huge impact on the outcome of the game. The Grizzlies bench outscored Minnesota reserves, 60-43.
Jenkins was effusive in his praise for his bench squad, praising them for their impact in helping the team win on Tuesday night. “Our bench was huge for us tonight,” Jenkins said. “So many different contributions. Obviously one of the biggest ones is [Xavier Tillman Sr.]. So proud of him staying ready, coming out, making a tremendous impact defensively and offensively. Defensively rolling, offensive rebounding, iso defense, pick-and-roll defense, Brandon [Clarke] doing what he’s doing. Ziaire [Williams] had a great night tonight as well. Tyus [Jones] being a floor general, [De’Anthony Melton] having a good second half. We’re going to need that. I think the biggest thing for our team was just everyone needs to play better, and I thought we got that tonight.”
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a matchup nightmare for Adams. KAT went 6 of 8 when guarded by Adams, while Anthony Edwards torched Adams by making 4-of-5 of his shots in Game 1. Luckily for the Grizzlies, Adams was in foul trouble early.
The Grizzlies were successful when Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Tillman defended Towns that limited him to just 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
“Tons of discussions about our bigs, lineups, and depths,” Jenkins said on his decision to go with Tillman. “Obviously, Steven [Adams] had a tough start to the game with two early fouls, so obviously our sub patterns were completely thrown off. We needed to get another body in there. I knew that at some point [Tillman Sr.] could be a factor in the series.”
Jenkins added, “Really proud of him to step in, even in that first quarter. And then, he just played so well. The spark that he brought the team, they just took off from there. First quarter was a competitive first quarter. We had a great second quarter, and I just kind of went with my gut and said, hey, let’s try to continue to ride the momentum, start the second quarter, and continue to manage our big sub pattern as best as possible.”
Adams picked up two early fouls and only saw less than three minutes of game time.
“I’m as direct and honest with the guys as possible, and we were very forward at the beginning of the season that anyone can make an impact,” Jenkins said of his rotation changes. “Everyone’s got to stay ready when their number is called. Whatever it is we need to do to win a game — that’s why [Adams’] response was, ‘Coach, we won the game. Whatever we’ve got to do to win the game.’ But, you’re just direct with them at the front end, and when you make those decisions, you don’t tiptoe around and you just let them know what’s going on. But, always stay ready. You never know what’s going to happen in the series. It’s still a long series, so guys have got to stay ready.”
After the game Ja Morant praised Adams for reaction to being benched, “He’s a vet — our whole team has been saying it for the longest that we’re very unselfish,” Morant said. “No matter what is going on, we love to see our teammates’ success. Coach made an adjustment with playing other guys and taking Steve out.
“But his mood didn’t change at all,” Morant added. “He was still engaged. He was still talking to us and encouraging guys. He even was talking to guys when they came off the floor. That’s just big time for us when we don’t have guys who get frustrated with not getting minutes. They’re always staying positive and pushing other guys to be better.”
Tillman had been the odd man out in the regular season and only appeared in 53 games. The Michigan State alum provided the spark that lit the match to His quick seven points in the second quarter was the tone setter.
In 21 minutes of play, Tillman went 6-of-7 from the field for 13 points and seven rebounds to set his playoff career high in points.
“Surprisingly, it’s not that hard at all, especially with great teammates,” Tillman on staying prepared mentally. “On the day-to-day, like in play groups and whatnot, we’re keeping it competitive. My lifts, my workouts and all, I have in mind if somebody goes down, foul trouble, injuries, anything like that, be ready to go. I’m watching the scout as if I’m playing, so it’s not that hard.”
“Big time — he came in and guarded a tough player,” Morant said about Tillman’s spark. “Rebounding the ball and making plays for us on the offensive end was a big time push we needed. That’s credit to coach and those guys for staying ready. Coach is always allowing them to have confidence and go out and play their game at all times. [Tillman] is another very unselfish guy, always cheering. Coach called his number tonight and he delivered.”
Jackson credited Tillman for giving the team a boost. “Wild X appeared and got us going. He’s doing what he does. I’ve seen him put in a ton of work, so I wasn’t shocked by any of it. It helped everybody out. You’ve got to be ready when you’re called upon. Credit to him for being ready. He’s always ready. That definitely helped for sure. He came back in through the second punch, through the third. It was good.”
Ahead of Game 3 in Minnesota, Tillman believes the bench play is the key to winning on the road. He explained, “Going to the road, being able to have confidence that the bench is going to be able to produce like we have been. Especially in the first game, the bench played amazing too. So, just keeping that consistency, staying to our routine, staying disciplined with what’s been working, and don’t waiver from that.”
Keys to Game 3 Victory
The Timberwolves hope to reverse the momentum of the series with Memphis when they return to Target Center on Thursday night. The Grizzlies will have to play with a degree of urgency in order to win. Ironically, the Wolves are 26-15 at home while Memphis is 26-15 on the road.
- Keep Towns out of rhythm by going small like in Game 2 which means no playing time for Adams.
- Bait Edwards into poor shot selection and get his rhythm off.
- Be sure to have D’Angelo Russell as a non-factor as he has been in the first two games.
- Get back to their bread and butter: Rebounding, steals, and second-chance points.
- Everybody eats — distribute the ball effectively with minimal offensive mistakes.
- Make free throws.
- Shoot the three ball more effectively.
- Start with a lot of energy and keep the crowd out of the game.
- The bench unit should continue their domination.
Injuries and lineup changes in the regular season forced the Grizzlies to preach about their “next man up” mentality. When the chips are down, who will be the next man to lead the team to victory on the road?
