On Saturday, 11th January night, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a thrilling 127-125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game that was tight from start to finish. Ja Morant, who finished with 12 points, delivered the game-winning shot with just 18 seconds remaining. His clutch 11-foot jumper helped Memphis take the lead after he had previously tied the game with a basket 54 seconds earlier.
Jaren Jackson Jr. shines with 33 points
Jaren Jackson Jr. played a pivotal role in the Grizzlies' win, scoring a game-high 33 points. Desmond Bane also contributed significantly, finishing with 21 points and making 4 of 8 attempts from beyond the arc. Memphis had to withstand a late surge from the Timberwolves, especially as Anthony Edwards missed two crucial three-pointers in the final 7.3 seconds.
Throughout the game, neither team led by more than six points, and the contest saw a staggering 25 lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Timberwolves struggle despite strong efforts
Despite a valiant effort from the Timberwolves, the game ended their three-game winning streak. Donte DiVincenzo led Minnesota with a season-high 27 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 21 and Edwards contributed 15.
The Timberwolves had possession of the ball with the game tied at 125 and under a minute to go. However, a costly turnover by Julius Randle, Minnesota's 19th of the game proved to be a game-changer.
Key performances and tactical adjustments
Rookie Jaylen Wells was tasked with guarding the Timberwolves' star, Edwards, for most of the game. Wells held his ground defensively, limiting Edwards' impact and contributing 13 points on the offensive side.
For Minnesota, the game marked the fourth consecutive match with a new starting lineup, which saw DiVincenzo starting and veteran Mike Conley coming off the bench. Coach Chris Finch’s adjustments have worked well, as the Timberwolves are now 3-1 since the lineup change.
Memphis dominated in shot attempts, taking 108 shots compared to Minnesota’s 83. A major contributor to this disparity was the Grizzlies' dominance on the offensive boards, with 21 total offensive rebounds. Rookie centre Zach Edey was a standout in this department, grabbing seven offensive boards.
The Memphis Grizzlies will head to Houston for a Monday night matchup, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will visit Washington on the same day, looking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.