Jackson Jr.'s dominant 28 points and 12 rebounds anchored the Grizzlies' balanced attack, fending off a late Timberwolves rally for a crucial victory.
The Memphis Grizzlies continued to steady themselves through injuries Wednesday night, leaning on defense, rebounding and late-game execution to secure a 116-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis despite playing without Ja Morant.
Jaren Jackson Jr. anchored the effort with 28 points and 12 rebounds as Memphis closed out another tight road game to win for the ninth time in its past 12 contests. Jock Landale delivered a decisive performance off the bench, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds while spacing the floor late against Minnesota’s interior defense.
With Morant sidelined by a left ankle sprain and Anthony Edwards missing his third straight game for Minnesota due to a right foot injury, the matchup quickly turned into a possession-by-possession battle. That reality shaped Memphis’ approach, something head coach Tuomas Iisalo said has become foundational for the group.
“It’s the biggest stabilizing factor that a team can have,” Iisalo said. “First of all, controlling the possession game—doing a good job there. We were able to force 17 turnovers, but also controlling the boards. That’s what was needed with the lack of playmakers on the roster.”
Minnesota held a slim 62-61 lead at halftime before Memphis flipped the game in the third quarter. Trailing 76-67 midway through the period, the Grizzlies erupted on a 14-0 run that shifted momentum decisively. Jaylen Wells and Vince Williams Jr. started the surge at the free-throw line before Landale and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers. Landale followed with a tip-in, and Jackson capped the run with a 3 to give Memphis an 81-76 lead.
The stretch reflected a growing comfort in how Memphis is deploying Jackson offensively, something Iisalo said has been building through ongoing conversations and adjustments.
“Jaren’s been in his spots for a while now, and that’s why we felt it was just a matter of time before he got going,” Iisalo said. “He got it going against the Clippers and now he’s playing with a lot of confidence. I think our spacing around him and getting him into those actions has been better.”
Memphis carried an 88-83 lead into the fourth quarter, but Minnesota repeatedly threatened to close the gap. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points, while Donte DiVincenzo posted 19 points and 11 rebounds and Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 16 boards.
After Minnesota pulled within 106-103 with 1:25 remaining, Landale delivered one of the game’s defining moments, burying a 3-pointer to restore breathing room. Jackson followed with a pull-up jumper to make it 111-103 with 47.7 seconds left.
Landale said the Grizzlies’ composure late was rooted in attention to detail.
“I just feel like we came in and did our job,” Landale said. “We had a professionalism about us where every possession counted down the stretch.”
Minnesota stayed alive after Wells split a pair of free throws and DiVincenzo drilled a late 3-pointer, but Wells sealed the outcome at the line in the closing seconds.
The win also reflected Memphis’ continued comfort with unconventional lineups and expanded roles, including stretches where Cedric Coward handled significant responsibility late. Iisalo said those moments are part of the team’s broader development.
“The deep end is the best teacher,” Iisalo said. “The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there. Whatever role you’re given on a given night, you’re expected to contribute.”
Memphis also welcomed Brandon Clarke back after an extended absence due to knee injuries. Clarke scored six points and grabbed three rebounds, adding to a rotation that continues to evolve.
“It’s a credit to the system we play and the coaching staff having us ready at all times,” Landale said. “Every guy walks into the gym knowing he’s got a chance to play and has to be ready to go.”
The Grizzlies will look to keep their momentum going when they host Washington on Saturday.