Edwards ignites Timberwolves' dominant win. Short-handed Grizzlies struggle, extending their losing streak to six with a decisive defeat.
The Memphis Grizzlies never found footing Saturday night, falling behind early and watching the Minnesota Timberwolves steadily pull away in a 131–114 loss that extended Memphis’ losing streak to six games.
Minnesota controlled the game from the opening minutes at FedExForum, riding a balanced offensive attack led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to secure its fourth straight win, all by double digits. Edwards scored 33 points, while Randle finished with 27 points and seven assists as the Timberwolves continued their surge following a wire-to-wire win over Oklahoma City earlier in the week.
The Grizzlies, depleted by injuries and absences, struggled to match Minnesota’s pace and efficiency, particularly during a decisive third quarter that turned a manageable halftime deficit into a commanding Timberwolves lead.
Minnesota built a 58–49 advantage by halftime, helped by Memphis’ cold shooting from the perimeter. The Grizzlies missed 17 of their first 18 attempts from beyond the arc, limiting their ability to keep up as Minnesota found consistent looks both in transition and the half court.
The game broke open coming out of the locker room. Minnesota shot 12 of its first 16 attempts in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 39–30 and pushing the margin to 97–79 entering the fourth. The Timberwolves later stretched the lead to 22 points with under four minutes remaining and coasted to the finish.
Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels added 20 points apiece for Minnesota, with Reid also collecting nine rebounds. Rudy Gobert anchored the interior with 16 rebounds and two blocks as the Timberwolves repeatedly won the battle on the glass.
For Memphis, the night marked the return of Ty Jerome, who made his season debut after missing the first half of the year with a high-grade right calf strain. Jerome led the Grizzlies with 20 points and six assists in just 20 minutes while playing on a minutes restriction.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Jerome provided exactly what the team hoped to see in his first game action.
Iisalo explained that Jerome’s value showed up immediately in how he organized the offense and created advantages against Minnesota’s defensive coverages.
“Pretty impressive stat line,” Iisalo said. “Twenty points in 20 minutes, six assists. He did all the things that we expected him to do for us this season — create out of the pick-and-roll, also be a threat off the ball and open up space for other guys.”
Jerome’s return came on a night when Memphis was missing seven rotation players, including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., forcing unconventional lineups and heavy responsibility on younger players. Iisalo said effort and energy were not the issue despite the result.
“We did what we could,” Iisalo said. “Being a bit undermanned today, I thought we did a very good job offensive rebounding and being physical on the boards. It definitely wasn’t because of a lack of urgency or energy.”
G.G. Jackson scored 19 points and continued to take on challenging defensive assignments, including extended stretches guarding Edwards. Iisalo highlighted Jackson’s growth on both ends.
“He does what the game calls for,” Iisalo said. “Driving closeouts, shooting closeouts, playing in transition. Defensively, he’s taken on some of the toughest matchups in the league and held his own.”
Jackson echoed that defensive emphasis afterward, pointing to film work and coaching as central to his improvement.
“They really sit down with us,” Jackson said. “We watch a lot of film. Just trying to clean up those small areas and always trying to know your personnel.”
Jaylen Wells added 15 points for Memphis, which has now dropped six straight for the first time since last season. The Grizzlies will get a quick opportunity to respond, hosting Minnesota again Monday night at FedExForum as they search for stability amid mounting adversity.