Grizzlies deliver fourth largest comeback in NBA playoff history

Desmond Bane (Twitter)

In the early stages in the second quarter on Thursday, it seemed the Memphis Grizzlies, the second seed in the Western Conference, would be trailing, the seventh seed, Minnesota Timberwolves. They were down 47-21, and simply could not stop Karl-Anthony Towns, Patrick Beverley, and 2020 first overall pick Anthony Edwards.

However that is why in the NBA, teams must play the full 48 minutes to determine the winner. After being outscored 12-0 to begin the game, and by 26 points with one minute and 32 seconds into the second quarter, Memphis outscored Minnesota 23-4 in the final 10 and a half minutes of the first half, to pull the Minnesota lead to within seven points at 51-44.

Then in the second half, the Timberwolves expanded their lead from seven to 25 points by taking a 79-54 lead, and it seemed completely unlikely that Memphis had another run. Well, the Grizzlies did deliver with another amazing comeback of their own. This time, it was with a well-rounded display of defense and offense. In the final 15 minutes, the Grizzlies outscored the Timberwolves 50-16 to win the game 104-95. With the win, Memphis took a 2-1 lead in the first round bet out of seven series.

There have been only three comebacks in NBA history bigger than 26 points. For a look at the biggest comebacks in NBA playoff history, please click here.

In the game three win, the Grizzlies were led in scoring by Desmond Bane, who had 26 points. Canadian Brandon Clarke scored 20 points, and saw a lot more minutes as the game moved along. Ja Morant had a triple double (16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists), while Tyus Jones, and the Grizzlies’ other Canadian, Dillon Brooks, each had 11 points.

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