The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a heartbreaking Game 5 matchup with the Grizzlies due to a game-winning layup at the buzzer. The Wolves put together an impressive performance, but unfortunately now trail the series three games to two. While the Game 5 loss was certainly the biggest gut-punch of the series, Minnesota must look to get back on track right away. The two teams will square off back in Minnesota in a do-or-die situation for the Timberwolves.
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Timberwolves-Grizzlies Game 6 Predictions
Anthony Edwards scores 30 points
Ja Morant may take the crown as the brightest young star in the series, but Anthony Edwards is not far behind. The 20-year-old has dazzled in the series and continued this in Game 5. Edwards ended with 22 points on 8 of 20 shooting from the field. He also knocked down a game-tieing three-pointer on a flawless out-of-bounds play which left just 3.7 seconds left to play.
ANTHONY EDWARDS HUGE THREE TO TIE IT š±š„ pic.twitter.com/Fc1dsKmUi6
ā Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 27, 2022
This shot unfortunately left too much time on the clock and the Grizzlies were able to secure the win. While he is still incredibly young, Anthony Edwards has begun his star trajectory and should be expected to take this loss personally. Edwards eclipsed 30 points in the opening game of the series but has been unable to do so since. Look for the former number one overall pick to increase his scoring and give his best effort in keeping Minnesota's season alive.
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Timberwolves limit turnovers to 12 or fewer
It is extremely difficult to win a game when you are turning the ball over too much. The Timberwolves have been forced to figure this out the hard way and have made costly mistakes throughout the series. This was the case in Game 5 as Minnesota turned the ball over 23 times in the matchup. If Minnesota is to keep their season alive, they must cut out the meaningless mistakes.
Turnovers have been a cause for concern all season with them ranking 27th in the NBA in turnovers during the regular season. The 14.6 turnovers they averaged during the regular season are still less than the postseason struggles. Look for the Timberwolves to make the correction and play smart basketball in their final home game of the series.
Patrick Beverley tallies 4 steals/blocks
Like him or hate him, Patrick Beverley is crucial to this Timberwolves team. The 6'1 guard has rapidly become a fan favorite and changed the culture of Minnesota basketball a great deal. Frustratingly enough, it has not been the talent in question, but rather the execution and will to win that has troubled this Timberwolves team in recent years. If there is one thing you can count on from Patrick Beverley it is that he will never take off a play. His intense style of play is a nightmare to go against and this infectious energy has rubbed off on his teammates in a positive way.
Beverley has drawn criticism in the past for being all bark and no bite, but his play has backed it up this postseason. The undrafted veteran has played at least 27 minutes in each game this series. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over the course of the series. āMr. 94ā has put on a solid effort guarding Ja Morant, but expect this to be ramped up even more. It has been a great sign of growth in Beverley's game to see the offensive production, but he is at his best when others take the reigns and he can solely focus on the little things. Expect him to be let loose in the matchup and for his sole goal to be stopping the Grizzlies superstar.
It is difficult to get up for another game after such a disappointing loss in the previous game, but the Timberwolves must do exactly that. This has been an excellent playoff series and one that neither team should be disappointed in their effort. Stars are born in the playoffs so look for Anthony Edwards to continue his rise in the biggest game of his career. If the Timberwolves are able to limit their turnovers and get solid production from Patrick Beverly, they should feel good about their chances.
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