The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their eighth game in their last nine contest, blowing a fourth-quarter lead in a 118-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves had control for most of the game as the trio of Malik Beasley, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D’Angelo Russell led the way. Russell helped Minnesota with a fast start that led to 25 points and eight assists on the evening.
five defenders, zero problems. pic.twitter.com/cOvUmmQeTk
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 14, 2021
With Russell commanding attention, he was able to get his teammates involved including Beasley. Beasley was able to add more to the Timberwolves’ backcourt, scoring a game-high 26 points to lead Minnesota to a 58-56 lead at halftime.
đź’Ş MALIK đź’Ş
đź’Ş BEASLEY đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/TMfZ2sYNdU
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 14, 2021
Russell and Beasley took care of things on the perimeter, which left Towns to do his business in the paint. Towns put up 25 points and 14 rebounds to help the Wolves take a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
While the Wolves were in control, Memphis made their move in the final frame with a 24-4 run. Jonas Valanciunas countered Towns with 24 points and 16 rebounds and Brandon Clarke scored 19 points with eight boards as the Grizzlies picked up the victory.
The Timberwolves fall to 3-8 on the season with the defeat and will look to rebound when they face the Grizzlies again on Friday night.
