Ja Morant’s 23-point, 10-assist effort proved the catalyst for Memphis’ 28-point win over Minnesota this afternoon to tie the series at one-apiece as it heads to Minneapolis.
Pressure was high in Memphis following their shock loss on Sunday and their intent was clear early on, with the home team taking a 60-49 lead into halftime. They truly left their mark on the contest in the second-quarter in which they outscored Minnesota by double-digits and would go on to outscore Minnesota in the third and fourth quarters to wrap up a dominant 124-96 Game 2 victory.
Morant was instrumental in Memphis’ victory, leading the way with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-16 from the field and 2-of-4 from three, as well as a game-high 10 assists and a team-high 9 rebounds, all whilst finishing +24. Morant was one of seven Grizzlies to score in double-figures, four of which coming off the bench. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 16 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-12 from the field and 4-of-7 from three, whilst Desmond Bane added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on 5-of-10 from the field and 1-of-4 from three. Memphis was buoyed by the production of their reserves who added 60 points, led by Xavier Tillman’s 13 points and 7 rebounds and Ziaire Williams’ 13 points on just five shots. Perhaps most impressive was Memphis’ team defence, with Taylor Jenkins’ squad holding Minnesota to under 40 per cent from the field and under 30 per cent from three.
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For Minnesota, Game 1 hero Anthony Edwards added 20 points and 6 rebounds on 7-of-16 from the field and 4-of-10 from three, whilst Naz Reid added 12 points and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench, hitting two of his three triples. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, finishing the game with just 7 shot attempts and 5 fouls in 28 minutes. Starting backcourt Patrick Beverley and D’Angelo Russell also had a night to forget, shooting a combined 4-of-17 from the field and 2-of-9 from three.
The next encounter of the series will be on Friday in Minneapolis, with history suggesting that the result will be of major importance. Statistically-speaking, in series tied at one-apiece, the winner of Game 3 goes on to win the series nearly three-quarters of the time. Memphis remain the favourites but, as Game 1 showed, nothing is certain in playoff basketball.
