Scoreboard
Grizzlies 114, Timberwolves 106 (MEM wins series 4-2)
What went down
The second round bracket of the 2022 NBA Playoffs is now complete.
The Memphis Grizzlies booked the last ticket of the conference semis after putting on another brilliant fourth quarter to outlast the Minnesota Timberwolves. Staring at an 84-74 deficit heading into the final frame, the Grizzlies unleashed 40 points in the pivotal period, punctuated by a clutch 3-pointer from Tyus Jones with roughly a minute remaining.
TYUS JONES PUTS MEMPHIS UP 4!@memgrizz 106@Timberwolves 102
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2022
One minute left on on ESPN pic.twitter.com/2HYhQ0onCE
Desmond Bane scored 23 points, including a booming triple to help Memphis take the lead with three minutes left. Dillon Brooks also added 23 points before fouling out. Ja Morant, meanwhile, submitted an all-around performance of 17 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists.
Memphis became the first team in league history to win three games in a playoff series trailing by at least 10 points entering the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards’ 30-point game, to go along with five boards, five dimes, two steals, and two blocks. Minnesota also got a shot in the arm from Jaden McDaniels’ 24 points, missing just one field goal out of nine attempts, as well as superb playmaking from Jordan McLaughlin. Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
A drive from McLaughlin cut the lead to two but the Grizzlies answered right back with a Jaren Jackson Jr. dunk with 36.3 seconds remaining. The game was sealed with free throws from the Grizzlies, completing their first series victory since 2015.
The Grizzlies will now turn their attention toward the Golden State Warriors in the second round.
Big-time ballers
Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane stepped up big time for the Grizzlies. With their star guard Ja Morant struggling from the field (4-of-14 shooting), the duo took over the scoring reins.
Both Brooks and Bane had 23 points apiece and had five triples each as well. Their timely shots set up another fourth-quarter Grizzlies comeback.
What he said
Ja Morant has said (and tweeted!) a lot of stuff in the playoffs so far. After the final buzzer sounded, he had the last say against the Timberwolves.
BACK TO THE ?? WIT IT 🗣 pic.twitter.com/cmXwlQWCea
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 30, 2022
Did you see that?
All series long, the dads of Morant and KAT have been chopping it up on the sidelines. It was all love, respect, and of course, good old fashion trash talk right at the very end. Tee Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns Sr. apparently had a friendly bet and it was time to pay up now that the series is over.
One last Tee Morant & KAT Sr. moment from this incredible series 💯 pic.twitter.com/NG26nbyxL6
— NBA (@NBA) April 30, 2022
