
Minnesota
(-7)

Memphis
(+7)
Star Player
Julius Randle (MIN) 35m 27p 7r 7a
Boxscore
Summary
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) ā Anthony Edwards scored 33 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves won their fourth consecutive game, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 131-114 on Saturday night at FedExForum. Julius Randle added 27 points and seven assists for the Timberwolves, who seized control with a 30-point first quarter and never trailed. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels each contributed 20 points in the victory. The Timberwolves shot 52.8% from the field and made 18 3-pointers, while the Grizzlies connected on only 10 of 37 from beyond the arc. Rudy Gobert anchored the defense with 16 rebounds and two blocks for Minnesota. GG Jackson led Memphis with 19 points. The Timberwolves improved to 31-19, while the Grizzlies fell to 18-29. The teams meet again in Memphis on Monday.
Extended Summary
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) ā The Minnesota Timberwolves turned a tight first half into a decisive victory with a dominant third-quarter surge, rolling to a 131-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at FedExForum. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 33 points, but it was a balanced and explosive offensive performance from the Timberwolves that secured their fourth consecutive win, all by double-digit margins. Julius Randle added 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels each contributed 20 points. Rudy Gobert controlled the paint with 16 rebounds and two blocks for Minnesota, which improved to 31-19. The gameās pivotal sequence arrived in the third quarter. After leading 58-49 at halftime, the Timberwolves erupted for 39 points in the period, repeatedly capitalizing on Memphis turnovers and missed shots to fuel a devastating transition attack. A 17-6 run midway through the quarter, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Donte DiVincenzo and a steal-and-dunk sequence from McDaniels, stretched a nine-point lead to 20. The Wolves shot 54% from the field in the quarter and forced eight Memphis turnovers, converting them into easy baskets that broke the game open. Memphis, which fell to 18-29, could not counterpunch. The Grizzlies were led by GG Jacksonās 19 points and five assists, and Ty Jerome added 20 points off the bench. But they were ultimately undone by a stark disparity in three-point shooting and ball security. Minnesota connected on 18 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc, while Memphis managed just 10 of 37. The Timberwolves also recorded 12 steals, leading to 23 points off turnovers, compared to eight steals and 14 points off turnovers for the Grizzlies. The Wolvesā offensive efficiency was staggering. They scored 131 points on 103 possessions, an offensive rating of 126.7, and assisted on 12 of their 47 made field goals. Memphis, by contrast, posted an offensive rating of 111.3. Despite committing 14 turnovers each, Minnesotaās ability to generate higher-quality shotsāevidenced by their superior shooting percentages from the field (52.8% to 48.9%) and the free-throw line (79.2% to 66.7%)āproved decisive. Minnesota set the tone early, leading 30-21 after the first quarter behind 10 points from Edwards. Memphis battled to keep pace in the second, with Jerome and Jackson providing sparks, but could never draw even. The Timberwolvesā third-quarter blitz ensured there would be no late drama, as their lead ballooned to as many as 27 points in the final period before both teams emptied their benches. The victory extended Minnesotaās winning streak, which includes a notable wire-to-wire triumph over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. It also avenged a 116-110 home loss to these same Grizzlies back on Dec. 17. The teams will meet again in Memphis on Monday night to conclude a quick two-game series. A crowd of 15,372 watched as the Timberwolves continued their climb up the Western Conference standings, showcasing the depth and firepower that has characterized their recent surge. For the struggling Grizzlies, it was another night where defensive lapses and offensive inconsistency against a top-tier opponent led to a lopsided result.
Preview
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) ā The surging Minnesota Timberwolves aim to continue their climb in the Western Conference standings when they visit the struggling Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at FedExForum. Minnesota (30-19) enters having won three of its last four, including a 123-111 victory over Oklahoma City on Thursday. The Timberwolves have been powered by All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 28.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his last 10 games. He scored 26 points with five rebounds and five assists in the win over the Thunder. The Timberwolvesā recent success contrasts with a difficult stretch for Memphis (18-27), which has lost seven of its last eight games. The Grizzlies are coming off a 112-97 home loss to Charlotte on Wednesday. Forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a bright spot, averaging 21.6 points and 6.3 rebounds over the same 10-game span. He led Memphis with 26 points and four assists against the Hornets. This matchup is a rematch of a Dec. 17 game in Minneapolis, which Memphis won 116-110. The Timberwolves will be looking to avenge that loss and improve their road record. Minnesotaās recent form has been bolstered by consistent contributions beyond Edwards. Center Rudy Gobert is averaging a double-double, while forward Jaden McDaniels provides critical perimeter defense and scoring. The Timberwolves have scored at least 118 points in each of their last three victories. Memphis, meanwhile, has struggled defensively during its slump, allowing an average of 118.1 points over its last eight games. The Grizzlies will need a more robust defensive effort to contain Minnesotaās multifaceted attack and snap their skid. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST Saturday. It is the first of two meetings between the teams in three days, with a rematch scheduled for Monday at the same venue.