Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half of Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Grizzlies overpower Timberwolves in Game 2

The Memphis Grizzlies took down the Minnesota Timberwolves to even the series 1-1 Tuesday.

Minnesota

The Timberwolves failed to find their mojo against the home team like they did in Game 1. Yet the lead changed 11 times.

Forward Anthony Edwards and center Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with a combined 35 points. Edwards claimed six rebounds while Towns boasted 11, earning a double-double.

At the end of the first quarter, Minnesota trailed by one point alone. But the Grizzlies’ lead grew exponentially by the end of the first half.

With 47 points in the second half, Minnesota scored two points less than its first half total. Memphis limited the squad to only 34 points in the paint. The Grizzlies’ transition defense shut out the National Basketball Association’s fastest-paced team in the regular season.

Head coach Chris Finch and the Timberwolves look to recover on home court Thursday.

Memphis

The Grizzlies 124-96 win marked the largest margin of victory in franchise history in a playoff game.

Guard Ja Morant led Memphis with 23 points and 10 assists, securing a double-double. He nearly earned a triple-double with nine assists. Morant said the stats don’t matter — the win does.

“I’m all about winning,” he said. “If I get the win I can have zeros across the board, as long as we win the game I’m happy.”

Then again, the Grizzlies finished the regular season with the NBA’s second-best record at 56-26. After the Game 1 loss, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said his team was “pissed,” subjecting themselves to a lot of self-criticism.

And his team recovered, emerging victorious on home court. Eight Memphis players recorded five or more points.

The Grizzlies look to carry their momentum into Game 3 and 4. They already guaranteed a Game 5.

What’s next?

The teams square off again Thursday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Game 3. Game 4 will also be hosted in the Target Center.

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