The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up to break a three-game losing streak as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a crucial Western Conference clash on Sunday. Despite the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent struggles, the Timberwolves arrive with an impressive track record, winning 10 of their past 12 games, with their most recent loss against Sacramento.
In the Timberwolves’ recent defeat, Anthony Edwards continued to showcase his scoring prowess with 35 points, marking his second consecutive game with 30 or more points. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded another double-double, contributing 27 points and 11 rebounds. However, the Timberwolves will be looking for more balanced scoring, with Rudy Gobert’s 12 points leading the supporting cast.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch praised Troy Brown Jr.’s impactful performance off the bench, scoring a season-high 10 points, adding a season-high seven rebounds, and showcasing defensive prowess. Finch emphasized the need for increased contributions from the bench, highlighting Brown’s positive impact.
As the Timberwolves face the Memphis Grizzlies, they aim to maintain their strong start to the 2023-24 season, where they have avoided consecutive losses by responding with winning streaks, including seven and three-game runs. This resilience will be tested against a Memphis team hungry for a comeback.
Grizzlies Struggling Without Morant
On the other side, the Grizzlies continue to face challenges in the absence of All-Star point guard Ja Morant, serving a 25-game suspension. Memphis suffered a 110-89 defeat against Phoenix in the NBA in-season tournament, marking their third loss in the last four games by a margin of 20 or more points.
Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies in scoring with 21 points, but coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the need for improved playmaking and ball movement. Without Morant, the team faces offensive challenges, evident in their average of 24.1 assists per game, below the league average.
Desmond Bane has stepped up as the primary offensive option for the Grizzlies, averaging 24.3 points and 5.1 assists per game. However, the team’s overall offensive output has been below par, with Jenkins urging better ball movement and more efficient fast breaks.
The clash will feature Edwards, the leading scorer for the Timberwolves with 26.7 points per game, against Bane, who has taken on a crucial role for the Grizzlies. The Timberwolves, with a scoring average of 113 points per game, hold an offensive edge over Memphis, averaging 106.2 points.
Memphis aims to crack the defensive code of the Timberwolves, who have held opponents to an average of 107 points per game, the fourth-lowest in the NBA. The matchup promises an intriguing battle between offense and defense as both teams look to assert their dominance in the Western Conference.
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