Game 4 of the series
Leading by more than 20 points twice, the Timberwolves eventually lost the game. This defeat allows us to see the youth of the Timberwolves, and let us see the shortcomings of Downs. In terms of individual technology, Towns is indeed the league's top three center, winning the skills competition and the three-point competition, the only one in NBA history. However, the game is not only about the technology, but also about the mentality of the players. As the team's home star, he only shot 4 times in a game, which is somewhat disappointing.
Trailing 1-2 in the series, the Timberwolves are not on a dead end, and Game 4 of the series is undoubtedly crucial. As long as this game is won, then the series will become two wins in three games, and once lost, then 1-3 behind, the Grizzlies will never give the Timberwolves any chance, which should no one doubt.
The Grizzlies chased back 11 points
The Grizzlies once again changed their starting lineup, with Tillman as the starting center and Jarren Jackson Jr. returning to the big forward position. At the beginning of the first quarter, the Timberwolves showed their talent, and Towns continued to cause kills, scoring 8 free throws in a single quarter, 10 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, but also 4 turnovers. Beverley also had six points and two rebounds, Russell had five points, one rebound and one assist, the Timberwolves blasted down 33 points in a single quarter, and the Grizzlies also had 28 points, with Bane scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting.
Morant only had 1 shot in the first quarter and didn't score, but with 3 rebounds and 5 assists, it was obvious that he wanted to lead his teammates. After returning from the second quarter, Beverley tried to provoke Bane, but Bane was unmoved and only allowed Beverley to receive a technical foul. However, the Timberwolves' bench rained three-pointers, McLaughlin hit 2 three-pointers, Prince also had 1 three-pointer, the team successfully pulled the point difference to 15 points, directly stopped the Grizzlies, Morant still did not score.
After the timeout returned, the Grizzlies began to play as a team, With Bane and Brooks hitting consecutive three-pointers, Edwards hitting three-pointers in color, sledgehammer slow-motion back-up hits, Towns three-step layups, and Bane's long-range three-pointers. Morant scored the first point on the layup, Russell scored three points, Morant tried to glide dunk, but was fouled by Russell, and it was a first-degree malicious foul, Morant had two free throws, and at the end of the half, the Grizzlies trailed the Timberwolves by 14 points 56-60.
Downs was also tough
From trailing by 15 points at one point to trailing by only 4 points at the end of the half, the Grizzlies managed to recover 11 points in the first half, once again filling the game with suspense. Bane is naturally an absolute hero, shooting 7-of-9 in the first half, 7-of-7 three-pointers, with 21 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, Brooks also had 10 points and 1 rebound, as for Morant, only 4 shots and 1 shot, but got 4 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists, as well as 1 turnover, a good tandem with the team's offense. The Grizzlies shot 9-of-18 from three-point range in the first half and shot brilliantly.
The Timberwolves' three-point shooting rate is even more terrifying, hitting 10 goals in 19 shots, and Towns has 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists, and 8 free throws. Beverley had 12 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists, 3 of 4 from three-point range, Russell also had 8 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists, and Edwards had 7 points, 1 assist and 1 steal. This game is crucial for the Timberwolves, if you can win, then the series suspense will come back, once lost, then the result can be imagined.