Timberwolves Give Up Multiple Runs to Fall in Game 3

Probably the worst I have seen this team play in a long time.

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 104 Minnesota Timberwolves 95

Statcap:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. Vanderbilt  10 pts 2-8 FG 6-8 FT 13 REB 2 AST 3 STL 5 fouls
A. Edwards  19 pts 6-13 FG 4-9 3pt 3-6 FT 7 REB 2 AST 1 STL 3 fouls
K. Towns  8 pts 3-4 FG 0-1 3pt 2-2 FT 5 REB 1 AST 5 BLK 5 fouls
P. Beverley  14 pts 5-13 FG 0-5 3pt 4-5 FT 2 REB 5 AST 3 STL 2 BLK 4 fouls
D. Russell  22 pts 9-21 FG 4-8 3pt 5 REB 8 AST 1 STL 3 fouls
Bench:
T. Prince  0 pts 0-2 FG 1 REB 1 AST 1 foul
J. McDaniels  8 pts 3-7 FG 2-4 3pt 2 REB 1 AST 1 STL 1 BLK 2 fouls
G. Monroe  0 pts 0-0 FG
N. Reid  3 pts 1-5 FG 0-1 3pt 1-1 FT 3 REB 1 STL 2 STL 5 fouls
M. Beasley  11 pts 4-12 FG 2-7 3pt 1-1 FT 3 REB 1 AST 1 STL 1 BLK 

Game Recap:
The Wolves actually played well tonight, but only for about 2.5 quarters. And if you can't tell, that doesn't cut it in the playoffs. Minnesota started off hot, holding Memphis scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the game while scoring 13 points. The Wolves went into the 2nd quarter leading by 18 points. Not long after the quarter started, it swelled to as much as 30. But suddenly the Wolves went cold and Memphis shot the lights out to bring the deficit to 7 at the half. 
However, in the 3rd quarter the Wolves had an answer. It wasn't as sudden and urgent, but slowly Minnesota grew another lead. It swelled to as much as 20 in the 3rd quarter before they started to struggle again. In the 4th quarter the Wolves operated for most of it with a small lead. But between bad defense and terrible offense, they couldn't make any shots. Memphis caught up and took the lead. Minnesota kept trying to find their way again, but kept chucking up threes as if that was going to get them back in the game. 

Ultimately the Wolves lost tonight because of their failure to keep their foot on the gas and their ability to generate shots under the hoop. They also were killed in the 2nd and 4th quarters. Not what you want in the playoffs. They scored 12 points in each of those quarters. Compared to 39 in the first and 32 in the third. Those two quarters were brilliant for Minnesota, they just need to at least have half that energy in the 4th quarter and they will find themselves with the win. Just sucks they have to learn this way. Its on them now to bring all of Minnesota up, not going to lie we are all pretty disappointed right now. They need to figure this out, and there is nothing any of us can do but cheer them on.

Injury Report
No injuries to report prior to the game. Anthony Edwards knocked knees with a Memphis player in the 2nd quarter, but he returned soon after.

Up Next
Minnesota is back in action on Saturday for Game 4. Game time is 9 PM CT on ESPN and BSN.

#RaisedByWolves