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Entering the two-seven matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA media and NBA fans were already anticipating a Grizzlies-Golden State Warriors second round matchup. Individuals predicted a five or six game series against Minnesota, but Karl Anthony-Towns, Anthony Edwards and the rest of the crew shut the haters up after a scintillating victory over the Grizzlies in Game 1, 130-117.
Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points and six assists, while Towns added 29 points and 13 boards. After squeaking through the play-in game victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, this victory of the Timberwolves were on a more convincing fashion as they instantly stole home court advantage for this series. As they move onto Game 2 of the series, Minnesota must build on this spectacular win and build on the momentum for the following games.
Towns, Edwards were the 2 best players on the court
In a series with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as well, it must be imperative for Towns and Edwards to be the two best individuals on both ends if they have plans on securing an upset. Obviously, that occurred in Game 1 as Edwards was not afraid of the playoffs in his inaugural match as he was constantly aggressive in mixing up his shots from all three-levels.
For Towns, he bounced back from his abysmal outing against the Clippers as he imposed his will on the paint and lessening the impact of Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams in the paint. In the play-in contest, Towns looked lost on some possessions as he racked up unnecessary fouls that negatively affected his performance as whole. Thus, he proved that he has earned a spot in any of the All-NBA teams with this phenomenal Game 1 all-around display.
The bench stepped up in an away game
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When role players produce exceptional numbers in the playoffs, it is usually on home games because they have the utmost support from the crowd and the usual routines on where they played for 41 regular season game. For this important Game 1 against Memphis, Malik Beasley was phenomenal as the Timberwolves sixth man who could produce easy buckets for the second unit of coach Chris Finch.
Beasley could easily be missing in any game because when his shots do not fall, he has trouble contributing on other facets of the game, but that was not the case for this afternoon. In 25 minutes, Jaden McDaniels was a huge boost as well with his grit and energy as he chipped in with 15 markers and seven rebounds. Even if he has been moved to the bench, McDaniels has not lost any sort of confidence to find ways to produce. Nine minutes of playing time for Jordan McLaughlin was also enough for him to be pesky and disrupt some possessions for Memphis.
Tremendous long range shooting
As the franchise with the most made and attempted long distance shots in the regular season, Minnesota made it a point for Memphis to feel their impeccable shooting right from the onset. In the first period, the Timberwolves already converted five threes on 11 attempts as momentum headed toward their direction. Most of their guys are not the household shooters of the league, but their production is very timely and vital.
For the Grizzlies, there are one of the few squads that do not rely on the long ball to manufacture points. Thus, the difference of total conversions of 16 to seven from rainbow country was one of the primary reasons for the elusive triumph as the Timberwolves outscored the Grizzlies by 27 from three-point distance.
It could pose a serious problem for the Timberwolves when numerous of their guys cannot hit the bottom of the net, so the challenge for the following games is to develop into an incredible defensive showing as well. An upset could be on the horizon, but young teams like Minnesota must not celebrate on this win as there are still six games at the maximum for this highly-intriguing series.
