The Wolves responded as soon as the recovery by offering Memphis at home after a new fierce fight. However, everything had started badly for the locals who quickly fell 15 lengths behind, manhandled by Ziaire Williams and Steven Adams, at the end of an alley-oop then a tap to bring the score to 31-16 in favor of the Grizzlies.
Minnesota then gradually climbed the slope, first with Jaden McDaniels and Taurean Prince to support D’Angelo Russell. The 3-point missiles of the Russell-Beverley-Towns trio then allowed Wolves to equalize at 52-52 one minute from the break.
It was finally on returning from the locker room that Minnesota regained the lead, on a dunk from Karl-Anthony Towns in transition (61-60). This time, it was the Melton-Jones-Jackson Jr triplet who had to work to resist Malik Beasley’s big heat stroke (84-83). On the Memphis side, Ja Morant left his teammates: cramps apparently.
In the last quarter, however, Memphis could not respond to D’Angelo Russell’s extraordinary push. While we expected a Karl-Anthony Towns more involved in the last act, the point guard devoured everything in his path, lining up 23 points with great ease to finish on the drive, not to mention his two 3-point missiles and his two assists for Malik Beasley’s 3-pointers.
Despite the return of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies ended up letting go in the last two minutes, especially following the final 3-pointer from D’Angelo Russell and after a good defense from Anthony Edwards on the last attempt at 3- points from Ja Morant (119-114).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– D’Angelo Russell does Ja Morant. Author of his best offensive game of the season against one of the leaders of the moment, D’Angelo Russell could not have dreamed of a better recovery game. The Wolves leader was also inspired by the drive qualities of his evening opponent to shine in the last act with repeated baskets near the circle which ended up cracking Memphis.
– The last word for Anthony Edwards. Missed his match in attack (1/11 shooting), the sophomore rear caught up with his good defense during Memphis’ last attempt to equalize at 117-117. Anthony Edwards complicated the task of Ja Morant whose 3-pointer was far too short. ” I always say that I’d rather take a defensive action to win a game than a winning shot. “, he slipped after the meeting.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ D’Angelo Russell. An impressive recital in the last act punctuated by a great victory for Wolves against the Grizzlies for an overall performance close to perfection, with 37 points (13/21 shooting) and 9 assists.
✅ Malik Beasley. Because he was also a late-game X-factor, first with a big blowout at the end of the third quarter to keep his team in the lead and then two 3-point missiles in the last act to accompany D’Angelo Russell in scoring, to finish at 17 points in 18 minutes, 5/7 from a distance.
⛔ The Morant-Bane duo. The rear wheel drive of the Grizzlies has been put to dry mode! Weakened in the third quarter by his cramps, Ja Morant returned a small 7/25 shooting for 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Desmond Bane also had a hole, 5/15 in shooting for 14 small points on arrival.
THE FOLLOWING
Minnesota (32-28): another big chunk looming for Wolves with Philadelphia’s reception this Friday.
Memphis (41-20): the Grizzlies continue with a trip to Chicago this Saturday.
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