The Memphis Grizzlies went into Game 6 hoping to win on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They had never played in a series finale before, and this was a chance to win their first postseason series.
The Grizzlies faced a difficult job in facing the Timberwolves, who have proven to be a formidable squad capable of giving them fits with their grit and high-powered offense.
Both teams started the game with a high-powered 3-point onslaught from the 3-point line. In the first period, Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks combined for 23 points and five three-pointers for the Grizzlies.
With Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves retaliated from downtown. Edwards, in particular, was a handful offensively, scoring 16 points in the first quarter.
The Grizzlies trailed 29-28 at the end of the first quarter. Jaren Jackson, on the other hand, only had one foul in the quarter.
The Timberwolves started the second quarter by playing some no-KAT minutes. Because Naz Reid was out for personal reasons, this resulted in a Greg Monroe sighting.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies were unable to capitalize on those minutes, and the game remained tight. Jaren Jackson and Brandon Clarke, on the other hand, rediscovered their stride in the third quarter. There was far too much Dillon Brooks, but no other creator showed any interest in shooting. The Grizzlies trailed 52-49 at halftime.
The Grizzlies started the second half slowly, as the Timberwolves built a double-digit lead – as much as 13. After scoring two and-1 layups, Ja Morant began to find his stride.
The Grizzlies went on a short run to cut the margin to four points. Dillon Brooks also recovered his touch throughout the quarter, which is a positive indication.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, surged back to extend their lead to double digits. The Grizzlies trailed 84-74 at the end of the third quarter.
Tyus Jones and Jaren Jackson Jr. opened the quarter with three-pointers for the Grizzlies. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, held on thanks to Jordan McLaughlin and Jaden McDaniels’ strong offensive punches.
The Grizzlies went on a run that resulted in Desmond Bane tying the game at 94, prompting Edwards and Brooks to respond with three-pointers of their own.
Brooks, unfortunately, fouled out in the fourth quarter. Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane both hit key shots for the Grizzlies.
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A fantastic pick-and-roll play in which Ja Morant hit Brandon Clarke off the roll, then the roll man hit Jaren Jackson in the dunker area for a slam was the icing on the cake.
The Memphis Grizzlies eventually prevailed, 114-106, to advance to the second round.
