The Memphis Grizzlies battled throughout the night but ultimately fell 117–110 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at Target Center.
For much of the evening, Memphis played with the kind of energy and pace that has defined the team’s approach through a season shaped by injuries and constant lineup changes. The Grizzlies pushed the tempo, shared the ball, and forced Minnesota to earn nearly everything.
But over the course of four quarters, the difference quietly surfaced in the possession battle.
Minnesota finished the night with nine more shot attempts, a margin that gradually created separation and proved difficult for Memphis to overcome. Those extra opportunities allowed the Timberwolves to control key stretches late and slowly widen the gap.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the effort from his group was something to build on, even in defeat.
“I think they need to be very proud of themselves,” Iisalo said. “That’s something we’ve talked about. That fight and playing together has to be nonnegotiable for us.”
Several young Grizzlies contributed offensively as Memphis worked to keep pace. Jaylen Wells led the team with 19 points, hitting four three-pointers and providing scoring during key stretches.
Cedric Coward added 15 points in his return to the floor, while Ty Jerome finished with 14. Rayan Rupert chipped in 13 points, GG Jackson II scored 12, and Cam Spencer added 10, giving Memphis balanced production across the lineup.
Memphis found its best offensive rhythm when the ball moved quickly and the floor opened in transition.
“I thought we did a great job in transition,” Iisalo said. “When we moved the ball, we were very effective offensively.”
Still, Minnesota’s star power ultimately made the difference. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 41 points, knocking down seven three-pointers and repeatedly creating offense when the Timberwolves needed it most
“Unfortunately in the possession game it wasn’t enough,” Iisalo said. “They ended up with nine shots more, and that was decisive.”
The game carried meaning beyond the final score for Coward.
The rookie returned after missing time with a knee injury suffered earlier in the season, and simply getting back onto the floor represented a step forward.
“It was an unfortunate situation,” Coward said. “But we worked real hard, me and the medical staff and the coaches as well, to get back. That was the goal.”
Returning against one of the Western Conference’s most experienced teams only reinforced the level Memphis is working toward.
“That’s a playoff team,” Coward said. “A back-to-back Western Conference Finals team. You’re playing one of the best players in the world in Ant and a group of experienced guys who have reached the level we’re trying to get to.”
For Coward, the focus moving forward remains simple. “Number one, just play basketball,” he said. “And number two, keep getting better.”
Memphis continues navigating a season shaped by injuries and shifting rotations, a reality that has pushed younger players into larger roles earlier than expected. Nights like this become both competition and classroom.
The Grizzlies showed resilience and flashes of the identity their coaching staff wants to build. But against a disciplined Minnesota team, the smallest details often matter most.
An extra rebound.
A missed opportunity.
A possession that extends just long enough to change momentum.
For Iisalo, those moments are part of the growth process.
“I hope we don’t take these opportunities for granted,” he said. “Playing against teams at this level teaches you what it takes.”
Memphis left Minneapolis without the result it wanted. But the effort revealed something important about this group.
The fight is there. The competitiveness is there.
Now the next step is learning how to turn that fight into finishes, because in the NBA the difference between competing and winning is often measured in just a few possessions.
Memphis will have little time to dwell on the loss. The Grizzlies return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back to back at FedExForum.