Wolves Drop Game 2 in Memphis, even series 1-1

Minnesota didn't have a great night.

Final Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 96 Memphis Grizzlies 124
Stat Cap:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. Vanderbilt  1 pts 0-0 FG 1-2 FT 2 REB 2 fouls
A. Edwards  20 pts 7-16 FG 4-10 3pt 2-2 FT 6 REB 1 AST 1 STL 4 fouls
K. Towns  15 pts 4-7 FG 0-1 3pt 7-8 FT 11 REB 1 AST 2 BLK 5 fouls
P. Beverley  6 pts 1-6 FG 0-2 3pt 4-4 FT 2 REB 4 AST 1 BLK 3 fouls
D. Russell  11 pts 3-11 FG 2-7 3pt 3-4 FT 2 REB 4 AST 1 STL 3 fouls
Bench:
T. Prince  12 pts 4-7 FG 2-4 3pt 2-2 FT 2 REB 1 AST 2 STL 1 BLK 2 fouls
J. McDaniels  2 pts 1-7 FG 0-4 3pt 1 REB 3 BLK 2 fouls
J. Okogie  0 pts 0-0 FG 2 mins played
N. Reid  12 pts 2-4 FG 2-3 3pt 6-6 FT 7 REB 2 BLK 3 fouls
J. McLaughlin  4 pts 2-2 FG 4 REB 4 AST 1 foul
M. Beasley  7 pts 3-6 FG 1-2 3pt 3 REB 2 fouls
J. Nowell  6 pts 3-10 FG 0-5 3pt 1 AST 1 STL 1 foul

Game Recap:
Minnesota came out of the gate a lot more skittish then in past games. While the first quarter started out as a nail biter as teams were called for fouls left and right, it ended with Minnesota clinging to a 1 point defecit. In the 2nd quarter, the Wolves started to fall behind. Towns started accumulating fouls, ending the half with 3. Anthony Edwards still couldn't make many shots, and starting fouling as well. The Wolves limped into the half somehow only down 11. In the second half though, the bottom fell out. Memphis took control rather quickly, with a 20 point lead only 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Minnesota looked like the still young and inexperienced team they are in the second half. Trying to find a way to climb closer, but falling 10 steps further back. KAT fouled more and sat more as well. No one could seem to play well at all, the Wolves went dead cold from the field and even colder from 3-point range. In the fourth quarter it was mainly a battle to try to stay relevant at all. Edwards finally found his shot in the final frame, but it was far too late. 

I would say this game could be categorized by lots of fouls early in the game, and then with Towns on the bench for lots of the crunch minutes early it was hard to gain a rhythm. The Wolves playoff machine so far, a combo of either Anthony Edwards and KAT or adding DLo to the mix was just non-existent tonight. 
Now this isn't the end of the world or anything for Minnesota. The Wolves didn't need to win the game tonight, but it would have been nice to return home leading the series. The Wolves will have two games in Minneapolis before returning to Memphis for Game 5.

Injury Report
Yet again Taurean Prince was named on the injury report but he played 17 minutes tonight, so I don't see him as an injury factor going forward.

Up Next
Now the Wolves will return home to the roudy Target Center for Games 3 and 4, very crucial games for Minnesota. They both are on Thursday and Saturday, first at 6:30 PM on TNT and then at 9 PM on ESPN. They will then return to Memphis for Game 5 next Monday. Anything beyond that is only if needed. Lets hope Minnesota brings the energy on Thursday, this team will need it.

Go Wolves! #RaisedByWolves