Anthony Edwards delivered an impressive 28 points, 26 of which came in the second half, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 118-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies during Thursday’s NBA action. The game, played Thursday night, saw the Timberwolves excel in the final quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies 37-17.
Rudy Gobert was a standout performer for Minnesota with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and a season-high six blocks. Naz Reid added 20 points, while Mike Conley contributed 17 points and 10 assists. Despite trailing for most of the first three quarters, the Timberwolves surged ahead in the fourth.
“It felt to me as long as we just keep it close, we can find a run,” Finch said.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 36 points for the Grizzlies, with Luke Kennard adding 18. Despite their extensive injury list and constantly changing lineup, Memphis remained energetic and competitive. Santi Aldama, off the bench with 13 points, notably tried to rattle Gobert with intense on-court tactics.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Edwards’ athleticism shone in the third quarter, notably with a self-assisted dunk off the backboard that electrified the crowd. Conley’s early fourth-quarter performance, including two 3-pointers, was pivotal in securing the Timberwolves’ lead.
“That’s just kudos to him and how athletic he is,” Reid said.
With this win, the Timberwolves reached the midpoint of their season with a 30-11 record, on track to surpass their franchise record for wins. Their home and conference records also signal a potential for setting new franchise milestones.
“You don’t always win pretty, and they don’t ask you how you win at the end of the year,” Conley said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies, who beat the Timberwolves in a first-round playoff series two years ago, are struggling with injuries to key players like Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane. They also miss the presence of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke due to season-ending surgeries.
“This team’s got it clicking on both sides of the floor,” Jenkins said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Despite their challenges, the Grizzlies had a mixed start, going 6-3 with Morant and 9-23 without him. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the team’s resilience but noted the challenges they face in consistently breaking through.
“The guys have been doing it all season long,” Jenkins said. “Some nights you’re going to breakthrough. Some nights you’re going to come up a little bit short.”
Up next, the Grizzlies will face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder the same evening.
