After the Minnesota Timberwolves finally broke their ten game losing streak last week, they promptly started another one after losing to New Orleans and Dallas earlier this week. That set them up to host the Memphis Grizzlies, who are on a four game winning streak.
Minnesota opened the game with the lead after Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns each made a basket. Memphis responded quickly, however, and by the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies held a 25-20 lead over the Timberwolves.
In the second quarter, the score remained close, but for the majority of the quarter, the Grizzlies held the lead. However, Minnesota took the lead with 3:38 left in the half, and kept it, as they led at halftime by a score of 57-46. Ricky Rubio had 16 points in the first half to lead the Timberwolves, while Mario Chalmers led Memphis with seven first half points.
Minnesota led for the entire third quarter, with their biggest lead being 13 points, a feat that they accomplished multiple times. The fourth quarter was exciting, as Minnesota had the lead, but Memphis fought back, eventually tying the game with 2:01 left in the fourth quarter after Matt Barnes made a three point shot.
The score was still tied with 35 seconds left when Rubio made a free throw to give Minnesota a 102-101 lead. Mike Conley then took a three that would have tied the game, but he missed it, and Wiggins grabbed the rebound, than was immediately fouled. Wiggins went to the free throw line and made both shots, which put the game out of reach, as the Timberwolves were able to survive the final few seconds to win by a final score of 106-101.
Minnesota was led by Shabazz Muhammad, who scored 25 points, while Wiggins contributed 19 points and Rubio added 15. Towns had nine rebounds, while Rubio also had 12 assists, just missing a triple-double by four rebounds. Memphis was led by Chalmers, who scored 19 points, while Marc Gasol contributed 17 points and two rebounds. It was not enough as Minnesota escaped with the win. It was their first win against a team from the Southeast Division since February of last season.
Minnesota now will travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Monday night. After that, they will return to Minnesota to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, before heading to Utah to face the Jazz on Friday. Memphis, meanwhile, will return home to prepare to host the Orlando Magic, also on Monday night.