Anthony Edwards: Steal Attempt on Grizzlies’ Game-winning Basket Was ‘Dumb Mistake’

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a chance to steal a road win in Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies, but instead they suffered a 111-109 loss thanks to a last-second layup by Ja Morant.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards accepted the blame for Morant getting free to score, telling reporters after the game that he took an ill-advised gamble.

“I had already had my mind made up that I was going to try to steal it. Dumb mistake,” Edwards said. “It’s over though. Can’t do nothing about it.”

Minnesota was in prime position to take a 3-2 series lead, building a 13-point lead with a little under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. But things fell apart down the stretch as Memphis used a 10-0 run to claw its way back into the game.

The Grizzlies took a three-point lead with 8.2 seconds left, but Edwards tied things up with a triple on the ensuing possession after a timeout and it looked like that would be enough to force overtime. But 3.7 seconds was enough time for Morant to drive to the basket for the game-winning layup.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Edwards finished with 22 points but didn’t really contribute in any other category, recording one rebound and no assists. Minnesota was doomed by 22 turnovers, seven of which were committed by Towns.

Morant scored a game-high 30 points, 18 of which came in the fourth quarter, to go with 13 rebounds and nine assists. Desmond Bane added 25 points and Brandon Clarke had 21 off the bench for Memphis.

The Timberwolves will try to stave off elimination when they travel back to Minnesota for Friday’s Game 6.