Morant has 28 to power Grizzlies past Timberwolves, 114-103

Updated Nov. 12, 2022 12:26 a.m. ET

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant had 28 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 114-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Desmond Bane finished with 24 points and five assists for Memphis, while Dillon Brooks scored 21. Brandon Clarke added 15 points, making all six of his shots as the Grizzlies won their fifth in the last six.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, making 10 of 16 shots, including 3 of 4 from outside the arc. Jayden McDaniels had 15 points, while Rudy Gobert also had 15 points, making all five of his shots. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The game was the first between the two teams since last postseason’s spirited first-round playoff series won by the Grizzlies in six games.

The Timberwolves have added Gobert to the frontline with Towns. The duo and and Minnesota have struggled lately, losing six of seven.

Memphis was able to build the lead to double digits in the first half.

The Grizzlies benefitted from 56% shooting in the first half but struggled from beyond the arc. Minnesota developed early foul problems on its front line. Towns drew four fouls and had three before halftime.

Bane scored 13 in the fourth quarter as Memphis solidified its lead.

TIP-INS

Timberwolves: Reserve C Naz Reid was out with an illness. … Minnesota is 0-5 when scoring less than 110. … Edwards recorded his seventh game with 20 or more points this season. … The Timberwolves are 0-8 when trailing after three quarters. … The last Minnesota win in Memphis was March 23, 2019.

Grizzlies: Started the game 0 for 7 from 3. … Bane now has multiple 3-pointers in 29 straight games, the best active streak in the league. … Steven Adams passed Dan Roundfield for 50th in career rebounds. … Memphis has won the last six home games in the series and tied the all-time series at 51-51.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: Continue a four-game road trip in Cleveland on Sunday against the Cavaliers.

Grizzlies: Visit Washington on Sunday.

___

More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports