- 2022 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Game 2
- Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
The 8th seed Minnesota Timberwolves stunted the Memphis Grizzlies in game one. Now the Timberwolves look to steal game two in the GRINDHOUSE.
Game two definitely, feels like a must-win game for the Memphis Grizzlies. Who had trouble containing Anthony Edwards and BIG KAT Karl Anthony Towns in game one?
Edwards is making his first playoff debut and, he is not scared of the spotlight. An athletic, skilled combo guard that can shoot and score the basketball vs a Hungry Ja Morant who has averaged 30.5 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 6 games in the playoffs in his career.
Edwards finished game one with a stat line of 36 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, and shot 4-11 from 3PT. While Ja Morant also had a solid performance of 32 points and eight assists. He only made 8-18 FG and shot 0-3 from the three-point range.
The Timberwolves found ways to slow Ja Morant down to get him out of his rhythm. Morant shot 3-13 after the first quarter. The Grizzlies are at their best when Morant is at the TOP OF HIS GAME.
Defensively the Grizzlies had no answer for BIG KAT who finished the game with 29 PTS, 13 RBS, and 3 ASTS. Jaren Jackson Jr. is known for his offensive abilities but was no match for the big man in the post.
Jackson got into early foul trouble only finishing with 12 points on 4-for-13 shooting and four rebounds. Center Steven Adams was no help, logging his worst game to date with the Grizzlies (0 points 3 rebounds, and 3 assists)
After the game, Jackson Jr texted Ja Morant
"I got you."
Morant says "I know what he's capable of,"
"It's Jaren.
The Grizzlies will go as far as Morant and Jackson can lead them. In the playoffs, it's all about who has the best stars on the floor and it's hard to beat out two-star players combing for 60+ points.
Memphis is a fast-paced team that likes to play fast but failed to keep pace with Minnesota’s three-point shooting in game one. The Timberwolves shot 16 of 41 from three-point range, while the Grizzlies shot 7 of 27.
The key to the Timberwolves going up 2-0 is written in the blueprint from game one. Bring that same intensity on both ends of the floor and be prepared for a motivated Grizzlies team looking to tie the series up 1-1.