Scoreboard
Pistons 106, Cavaliers 103
Celtics 129, Nets 106
Bulls 112, Hawks 108
Timberwolves 119, Grizzlies 114
Suns 124, Thunder 104
Warriors 132, Trail Blazers 95
Nuggets 128, Kings 110
What went down
The Memphis Grizzlies may have been the ultimate surprise team coming out of the West, but the Minnesota Timberwolves are slowly looking to shock the rest of the league.
D’Angelo Russell dropped a 37-point hammer on the upstart Grizzlies to come away with a hard-fought 119-114 victory. He also had nine assists while Karl-Anthony Towns put up a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Timberwolves are currently seventh in the West with a 32-28, hoping to squeeze their way to the playoffs. They’ve won seven of their last 10 and this recent win over the third-place Grizzlies is a positive sign.
For Memphis, Ziare Williams and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 points apiece while Ja Morant added 20. Morant momentarily left the third period due to an apparent hip injury but was able to return and start the fourth quarter. But the Timberwolves were fearless against the young and hungry Grizzlies.
Russell was on point all throughout as Minnesota was able to overcome a 5-point output from Anthony Edwards and foul trouble from Towns. The gutsy guard scored 23 of his team’s 35 points in the fourth, including a clutch triple to steer his team to victory.
The Timberwolves face a daunting task in their next game, going up against the Philadelphia 76ers and the much-anticipated debut of James Harden.
Big-time baller
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve named DeMar DeRozan as our big-time baller this season. The man continues to put up eye-popping numbers, scoring 35 points or more while shooting at least 50 percent for eight straight games. He also extended his streak of scoring at least 30 points to nine consecutive outings.
DeRozan fired 37 points on an efficient 15-for-21 clip plus had six rebounds and three assists. He also delivered the go-ahead basket for the Bulls.
20 seconds left, down 1.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 25, 2022
The good news? We have @DeMar_DeRozan. pic.twitter.com/FK8arlS9op
What they said
The NBA’s two Ukrainian players Alex Len of the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors’ Svi Mykhailiuk released a joint statement condemning Russia’s invasion of their home and expressing concern for their countrymen.
?? ?????! pic.twitter.com/CkPZ3cDQdm
— Svi Mykhailiuk (@Sviat_10) February 24, 2022
??? ????? #PrayForUkraine #StandWithUkraine @sviat_10 pic.twitter.com/hGJG4fE8Ce
— Alex Len (@alexlen) February 24, 2022
Did you see that?
It seems that Joel Embiid and James Harden are already brewing something special in Philly. Harden is set to make his debut and it’s a good sign that he’s already imparting the art of the stepback to his big man.
The Beard vs. The Process. pic.twitter.com/wHeMsTZvrK
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 25, 2022
