Minnesota Timberwolves defeats Memphis Grizzlies 117-110
Minnesota Timberwolves Claw Back to Defeat Memphis Grizzlies 117-110
The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an early deficit to secure a hard-fought 117-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at Target Center. A dominant second half, fueled by strong individual performances, propelled the Timberwolves to their 45th win of the 2025 regular season. The game, played on March 3, 2026, showcased a resilient Timberwolves team determined to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings.
Game Flow
The Memphis Grizzlies came out firing in the first quarter, establishing an early lead with aggressive scoring and tight defense. Q1: 23-32. The Timberwolves struggled to find their rhythm, shooting poorly from beyond the arc and committing unforced turnovers. The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as Minnesota began to find their footing. Karl-Anthony Towns started asserting himself in the paint, and Anthony Edwards chipped in with several crucial baskets. Q2: 34-30. Despite the improved offensive output, the Grizzlies managed to maintain a narrow lead heading into halftime, leading 62-57.
The third quarter was a complete turnaround for the Timberwolves. A stifling defensive effort forced the Grizzlies into numerous turnovers, and Minnesota capitalized with fast-break points. Jaden McDaniels' defensive intensity was particularly noteworthy, disrupting the Grizzlies’ offensive flow. Q3: 32-20. The Timberwolves outscored Memphis by 12 points in the quarter, taking an 89-82 lead. The Grizzlies struggled to answer, shooting just 35% from the field in the period.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Memphis made several attempts to close the gap, relying heavily on Ja Morant's individual brilliance. However, the Timberwolves responded with clutch shooting from Edwards and Towns, and effective free-throw shooting down the stretch. Q4: 28-28. Despite a late push from the Grizzlies, Minnesota managed to hold on for the 117-110 victory, showcasing their ability to close out games under pressure.
Highlight Players
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with a dominant performance, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Edwards showcased his all-around game, attacking the basket with ferocity and hitting key jump shots when needed. His ability to create his own shot proved crucial in breaking down the Grizzlies’ defense. He shot 12-of-22 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range.
Karl-Anthony Towns was a force in the paint, contributing a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. Towns efficiently scored inside, drawing fouls and converting on put-backs. He also added 4 assists, demonstrating his passing ability. He was particularly effective in the second and third quarters, providing a much-needed offensive spark. He shot 10-of-18 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Jaden McDaniels played a pivotal role on both ends of the floor, scoring 18 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and adding 3 steals. McDaniels’ defensive impact was undeniable, consistently harassing the Grizzlies’ ball-handlers and disrupting their offensive sets. His ability to guard multiple positions proved invaluable. He shot 7-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Team Stats Breakdown
The Minnesota Timberwolves shot 52.5% from the field (47-of-89), demonstrating their offensive efficiency. They were particularly effective inside the paint, scoring 62 points. The team also recorded 48 rebounds, compared to the Grizzlies’ 42. Minnesota dished out 28 assists, showcasing their ball movement, and committed 15 turnovers. Their three-point shooting was solid, connecting on 11-of-28 attempts (39.3%).
The Memphis Grizzlies struggled with their shooting, posting a field goal percentage of 43.9% (41-of-93). They managed 38 rebounds and 26 assists, but turned the ball over 18 times. Memphis scored 36 points in the paint and connected on 9-of-32 three-point attempts (28.1%). Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 30 points, but his supporting cast struggled to consistently contribute. The Timberwolves' ability to limit the Grizzlies’ second-chance points (only 8) was also a key factor in their victory. The Timberwolves also blocked 7 shots compared to the Grizzlies’ 3.
Next Game Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, March 5, 2026. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT at Target Center. The Raptors, currently battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, will present a tough challenge for the Timberwolves. Minnesota will need to maintain their strong defensive intensity and offensive efficiency to secure another victory.