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The Memphis Grizzlies rebounded from a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they roared back to claim Game 2 by score of 124-96. The Grizzlies, who were more disgusted than anyone with their lackluster play, made it their mission to go out there and put a better performance on the court. Led by Ja Morant, who flirted with a triple double in the blowout victory, the Grizzlies evened up the NBA Playoff series just as it is heading to Minnesota.
Memphis, who allowed 130 points to the Timberwolves in Game 1, tightened things up considerably on the defensive end, as they made things very difficult for Wolves' stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. The two combined for just 35 points as the Wolves failed to eclipse the 100-point mark. It was a defensive effort that was reminiscent of those executed by the Grizzlies during their excellent regular season.
On offense, the Grizzlies featured a much more selfless effort, which not only created more scoring opportunities for everyone on the floor, but also resulted in a machine-like offensive performance. Memphis looked much more like the team that stormed to 56 wins while securing the second-best record in a loaded Western Conference. But can the Grizzlies replicate that performance in Game 3- and the ensuing contests after that in this competitive NBA Playoff series?
They seemed to find the right formula in Game 2. That said, there are certain things the Grizzlies executed on Tuesday against the Timberwolves that they must continue to replicate if they want to emerge victorious once again.
Here's what the Grizzlies must replicate from their Game 2 blowout of the Wolves.
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3 Things Grizzlies Must Replicate From Game 2 Win Over Wolves
3. Continue to play unselfishly
Both the Grizzlies starting five and bench players adopted this motto on Tuesday night. Led by Morant's 10 assists, Memphis recorded a team total of 29 dimes after tallying 25 in Game 1. It's a strategy that has led to 241 points combined in the first two games of the NBA Playoff series against the Timberwolves. However, the biggest difference in Game 2 was reserve guys, such as Xavier Tillman, who earned a DNP in Game 1, and Ziaire Williams. Four players scored in double figures off the bench for Memphis, a truly unselfish effort that made it very hard- flat-out impossible- for the Timberwolves to pick up any ground on the Grizzlies in Game 2. Minnesota simply doesn't have the bench depth to matchup with the Grizzlies when they go with eight men off the bench, as head coach Taylor Jenkins did in Game 2. If that trend continues, Memphis will be in very good shape.
2. Continue to play small-ball at center
Steven Adams played just three minutes and sat out the entire second half after a disappointing Game 1 effort that saw him get torched by Towns while committing four fouls. Instead, Jenkins went with a combination of Brandon Clarke, Tillman and Jaren Jackson Jr. at center, a small-ball approach that worked well both offensively and defensively. Forward Kyle Anderson even saw minutes at the five. Clarke, Tillman, Jackson and Anderson finished a combined +61. Adams, who didn't score a single basket in 24 minutes played in Game 1, simply isn't providing enough on both ends of the floor to warrant playing him large minutes. Their offensive spacing was better and the ability to switch on defense made things very difficult for Minnesota. It's a strategy that Jenkins should continue to deploy throughout this NBA Playoff series.
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1. Continue to give Towns and Anthony Edwards different looks
Towns and Edwards picked their spots relatively easily without much resistance on the part of the Grizzlies in Game 1, as the two combined for 65 points in the victory. Game 2 was a much different story. Edwards consistently saw double teams, while Towns saw his usual amount of defensive attention. The two Wolves players had an assist each combined and simply weren't as engaged on the offensive end, as they were clearly affected by the Memphis defense. The Grizzlies must continue to change up the looks they show to Edwards and Towns in an effort to keep making them as uncomfortable on offense as possible.
