Memphis Grizzlies complete one of biggest comebacks in playoff history in win vs. Timberwolves

In basketball, you just never know.

That means when the Minnesota Timberwolves had a 26-point lead early in the second quarter Thursday, it was too soon to count out the Memphis Grizzlies. Even the Timberwolves started the third quarter on a 28-10 run and led by 25 points with 3:10 left to play, it was still too soon.

The Grizzlies clawed out of the hole each time. A 21-0 run in the fourth quarter quieted the Target Center crowd and gave the Grizzlies all the hope they needed. Memphis closed the game strong on their way to a 104-95 victory.

The win was the largest comeback victory in franchise playoff history.

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Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 26 points and made seven 3-pointers. Brandon Clarke added 20 points off the bench and Ja Morant had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Here are some observations from Game 3:

Lineup change(s)

The Grizzlies started Kyle Anderson in Game 3 over Steven Adams after Adams struggled in the first two games. Adams has been the biggest factor in the Grizzlies leading the NBA in rebounding and second-chance points, but he struggled defensively in Game 1 and picked up two quick fouls in Game 2 before not returning to action.

The Anderson starting experiment didn’t go well, as the Grizzlies started the game in an 12-0 hole. Coach Taylor Jenkins made another adjustment to start the second half, when he replaced Anderson with Brandon Clarke.

Boos for Morant

It may not be hyperbole to say that Morant has received more MVP chants on the road than boos. From his player introduction to the final moments of the game, the Minnesota crowd booed Morant when he touched the basketball.

Even when Morant was on defense, cheers burst out whenever Patrick Beverley, Anthony Edwards or D’Angelo Russell had Morant one-on-one in an isolation. The Timberwolves attacked Morant early and often. Beverley lowered his hand to the court floor and gave the “too little” signal after making his second basket over Morant.

Story continues

The Grizzlies All-Star got the last laugh at the end of the game.

A game of unprecedented runs

Yes, basketball is a game of runs, but stretches like the Grizzlies and Timberwolves had Thursday don’t happen often. The Timberwolves jumped out to an 11-0 run and led 47-21 early in the second quarter. The game felt like it was over, but the Grizzlies closed the first half on a 23-4 run to trail 51-44 at halftime.

Just like in the first quarter, the Timberwolves started the second half on a 28-10 run. But again, the Grizzlies answered by going on a 21-0 run to tie the game at 83. Memphis ended the game on a 50-16 run.

Next Up

Game 4 will be Saturday night at 9 p.m. The win in Minnesota gives the Grizzlies home-court advantage. .

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Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies complete 26-point comeback in win over Timberwolves