In Game 3 of their series against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Minnesota Timberwolves had multiple huge meltdowns, ultimately getting outscored by 34 points over the last 15 or so minutes to lose. The result was a 104-95 Timberwolves loss and a 2-1 series lead for the Grizzlies. This, of course, led Chris Finch's squad to receive criticism from many fans after blowing such a huge opportunity to nab a big win on their home floor.
Come Game 4, the Timberwolves were more prepared as they bounced back and emerged victorious on a 119-118 triumph. It wasn't a perfect game, but it was enough for Minnesota to tie the series at two games apiece. After gaining their confidence back, the Timberwolves will look to ride their newfound momentum back to Memphis for a pivotal Game 5.
But before that, let’s take a look at three things that went right for the Timberwolves in Game 4 against the Grizzlies.
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
3 reasons Timberwolves bounced back in Game 4
3. The Timberwolves shot the ball better and lived at the line
A major factor behind the Timberwolves' meltdown in Game 3 was their inability to make shots. They only managed to make 38.8% of their shots from the field while shooting 34.3% from beyond the arc.
In Game 4, the Timberwolves drained 47.3% of their total field goals while shooting 50% from beyond the arc (18-of-36). Minnesota also shot a whopping 40 free throws, making 31 of them. Karl-Anthony Towns took 17 of those attempts. Hitting 3s and getting to the foul line is a great way to score a lot of points.
Offensive efficiency will continue to be a huge factor in the remaining games of this series, and the Timberwolves will be wise to use it to their advantage to nab more wins the rest of the way.
2. Other role players stepped up for Minnesota
It can't be denied that the Grizzlies have a more loaded lineup from top to bottom compared to the Timberwolves. Memphis won 56 games this season and did that despite missing Ja Morant for a good chunk of time. Minnesota has a strong supporting cast in its own right, but not quite as good as Memphis.
In Game 3, it was evident that the Timberwolves needed more production from the rest of the roster, because they only had five players score in double digits. In Game 4, Patrick Beverley notched better numbers with 17 points and five assists, while Jordan McLaughlin scored 16 points in 14 minutes. Jarred Vanderbilt also had 12 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves.
While other bench players like Malik Beasley had quiet nights, the performance of the aforementioned role players helped secure the win. Minnesota as a team also did an excellent job slowing down Ja Morant, who only had 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
1. Towns and Edwards had better scoring performances
Game 3 was a night to forget for both Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Towns was limited to only eight points on four attempts from the field in close to 33 minutes of action. Edwards had an okay game with 19 points but was quiet down the stretch as the Timberwolves collapsed.
In Game 4, both players came out with more aggression on the offensive end. Towns played angry and looked for his shots to end up with 33 points and 14 rebounds — his best individual outing of the series thus far. Edwards, on the other hand, also had a better offensive game by compiling 24 points for the Timberwolves. The youngster did this despite a scary-looking injury earlier in the game.
The much-improved scoring of both players made a significant difference in Minnesota's Game 4 win and allowed them to hold off all the Grizzlies' charges, so there was no collapse this time. D'Angelo Russell, though, needs to bounce back after only producing 10 points on a horrid 3-of-12 shooting from the field. If all three players put forth a great offensive outing in Game 5, the Timberwolves will increase their chances of earning a 3-2 series lead.
Follow Us
Subscribe