By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Successful once more in a late rally, the Memphis Grizzlies stormed back to take down the Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-106, and clinch the 2022 NBA Playoffs first-round best-of-seven series in six games Friday.
Canadian Dillon Brooks and American Desmond Bane poured 23 points each, while Grizzlies star Ja Morant was limited to 4/14 field goals and 17 points. The 2022 Most Improved Player chipped in 11 assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block. Brandon Clarke added a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double coming off the bench. On the opposite end, Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 30 points but to no avail.
Trailing by ten points to start the fourth quarter in Target Center, the team guided by Taylor Jenkins added to the record-breaking run after becoming the first team in NBA history to win multiple games in the same playoffs series coming back in the last period. Memphis outscored the hosts, 40-22, in the last 12 minutes to wrap up the series in Game 6.
Spanish Santi Aldama (right knee soreness) and French Killian Tillie (lower back procedure recovery) were ruled out along with Ziaire Williams (right knee soreness) and Steven Adams (health and safety protocols). French Yves Pons was inactive as well.
Moving to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in seven years, the Grizzlies are now set to host the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum in Game 1 Sunday. Game 2 of the next best-of-seven series will be hosted by the same venue on Wednesday.
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