The Minnesota Timberwolves (47-33) exploded for a franchise-record 52 points in the third quarter to take down the Memphis Grizzlies (47-33) 141-125 on Thursday, April 10, led by Anthony Edwards’ 44-point performance in a critical battle for playoff positioning.
Edwards scored 18 of his 44 points during the third-quarter outburst, finishing the night 5-for-5. Julius Randle added 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Naz Reid chipped in 14 points off the bench. Minnesota shot 85.7% (18-for-21) in the third, breaking open a close game and securing its sixth win in the last seven games.
The Timberwolves are now tied with the Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference standings, with just two regular-season games left.
Memphis was led by Ja Morant’s 36 points, including a 3-pointer that he celebrated with a grenade-throwing motion toward the crowd. Desmond Bane added 28, and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 23, but the Grizzlies’ three-game win streak ended.
A game-changing moment came early in the second half when Minnesota opened with a 26-5 run, including 17 unanswered points, fueled by Randle’s hot shooting. The Timberwolves outscored the Grizzlies 52-25 in the third quarter alone.
Despite shooting 50% overall and from three, Memphis was undone by 15 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 23 points.
The Timberwolves return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, April 11. The Grizzlies travel to Denver to face the Nuggets the same night.
