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Ja Morant, Grizzlies Thrill NBA Fans by Rallying Past Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 20, 2025

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves  on January  20, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images

The Memphis Grizzlies just keep on winning.

Ja Morant and the Grizz overcame an 11-point deficit at halftime—and a nine-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter—to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday afternoon, 108-106.

It was a balanced effort from Memphis (28-15), headlined by strong performances from Jaren Jackson Jr. (24 points, 11 boards, two blocks), Desmond Bane (22 points, five assists) and Morant (19 points, seven dimes).

NBA on TNT @NBAonTNT

"A jaw dropping pass" 😤<br><br>Ja Morant drops his 5th dime of the half ✨ <a href="https://t.co/ZANWX6pZ7j">pic.twitter.com/ZANWX6pZ7j</a>

NBA on TNT @NBAonTNT

Bane gives the Grizzlies the lead late in the 4th 💪<br><br>He has 22 PTS ✨ <a href="https://t.co/QTfzpKjuzN">pic.twitter.com/QTfzpKjuzN</a>

Anthony Edwards was the best player on the court, leading the Timberwolves with 32 points, though he did have five turnovers. He got some serious help off the bench from Naz Reid, who scored 29 points and had eight rebounds, but Minnesota's four other starters combined to score just 25 points.

It was a particularly brutal night for Julius Randle, who shot 2-for-13 from the field en route to five points and 11 rebounds.

Despite the struggles of Minny's other starters, the Wolves still had the chance to tie or win the game on the final possession, but Edwards air-balled his three-point attempt through a Memphis double-team.

And so Morant and the resilient Grizzlies stole the win, and social media offered them their due flowers following the game:

GrizzMuse @GrizzlyMuse

Grizzlies Big 3 Tonight:<br><br>Ja JJJ Bane<br><br>19 PTS 24 PTS 22 PTS<br>7 AST 10 REB 6 REB<br>4 REB 56 FG% 5 AST<br>1 STL 3 STK 4 3PM<br><br>2-0 vs. Minnesota. 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/9vWvTfWCZA">pic.twitter.com/9vWvTfWCZA</a>

Growl Towel Central @GTC901

Grizzlies with the HUGE 16 point comeback win against the Timberwolves on <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBAonTNT</a>. <br><br>Brandon Clarke with some insane defensive plays down the stretch, JJJ with another masterclass 4th quarter, and Bane shutting up haters.

Everyday Hoops @everydayhoops10

Amazing W for the Grizzlies. Fight back all the way to take it at the end. JJJ NEEDS to be an All Star. Minnesota execution not good in the last few minutes except for Naz. Very entertaining game

Ju$to @Countup_Jg

Grizzlies took care of business

Kaleb Blanton @thekalebblanton

The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grizzlies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grizzlies</a> win! Anthony Edwards couldn't hit the game winner. Not a bad win by Memphis, considering they came from behind.

yaé @_aunyeezy

Ja Morant so smooth

Grizz Lead @Grizz_Lead

JAREN JACKSON JR. IN THE GRIZZLIES WIN AGAINST THE TIMBERWOLVES :<br><br>- 24 Points<br>- 11 Rebounds<br>- 3 Stocks<br>- 9/17 FG<br>- +24 +/-<br><br>BIG TIME FOURTH QUARTER FROM TRIP. 💯 <a href="https://t.co/fbT9ANYZxu">pic.twitter.com/fbT9ANYZxu</a>

The Grizzlies have now won both meetings against the Timberwolves (22-21), claiming that tiebreaker in the event the two teams finish even at the end of the regular season.

For now, however, the Wolves are fighting for their playoff lives. Currently the team sits 11th in the Western Conference, level with both the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns in win percentage. The team is fighting just to be into the Play-In Tournament, let alone the postseason.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are in third place in the Western Conference and comfortably in the playoff picture for the moment. Memphis is finding ways to lock down victories, something that has been a struggle for these Timberwolves all season.