Grizzlies catch 3-point fever in win over Timberwolves
19 bombs most since record 23 as team evens mark
Friday began with Jaren Jackson Jr. smiling and joking as he said he couldn't wait to return to the court at the end of the month.
The night ended with the Memphis Grizzlies doing their best tribute to their 3-point shooting, 7-foot forward: The Grizzlies made 19 3-pointers in their 120108 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It's the most they've made since making a franchise-record 23 against Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 10. Jackson's shooting has been missed all season but at Fedexforum, the Grizzlies spread the wealth beyond the arc as Grayson Allen led the charge.
Grizzlies rain in 3-pointers
In their last 11 games, the Grizzlies' game high for 3-pointers was 12. They made 11 in the first half Friday and finished with more 3-point attempts (39) than paint points (38).
With the shots falling, the Grizzlies (23-23) could afford to abandon their post game. Allen, who didn't play Wednesday due to injury, had five 3pointers for the fifth time this season and finished with 15 points.
De'anthony Melton made four 3pointers (14 points) and Ja Morant added two. Desmond Bane, the team's leading 3-point shooter, didn't make one until the fourth quarter and it sparked a 12-4 run.
Coach Taylor Jenkins said he wanted the Grizzlies to seek more 3-point opportunities, and it worked with nine
members of the 10-man rotation making at least one 3-pointer.
Grizzlies lead at halftime
For the first time in 11 games, the Grizzlies led at halftime, 68-66. It was progress after a month of slow starts.
But progress wasn’t pretty. Morant had five assists but only took four shots and missed three free throws. The Grizzlies let a seven-point lead shrink before halftime but Jonas Valanciunas set an early tone with 13 first-half points.
The Grizzlies will need much better starts during a four-game road trip that begins Sunday, but it’s something to build on. Valanciunas had a team-high 19 points and 11 rebounds for his 16th consecutive double-double.
Clarke restores bench balance
Brandon Clarke returned after not playing Wednesday, and the bench fed off his energy. He had 11 points and Xavier Tillman Sr. scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half.
The bench outscored Minnesota 5638 and eight Grizzlies scored in double figures. Morant had just 11 points but his seven assists led the game along with Kyle Anderson, who added seven points and eight rebounds.
Morant made just one field goal inside the arc but the shot started a 12-3 run to end the third quarter. It wasn’t an ideal scoring night but it didn’t matter when the 3-point shot carried the Grizzlies back to .500.
Up next
The Grizzlies start a four-game road trip at the Philadelphia 76ers Sunday (6 p.m., Fox Sports Southeast).
The Grizzlies won the first meeting in January but All-star Joel Embiid didn’t play due to injury. Embiid is expected to return this weekend after being out since last month with a bone bruise in his knee.