ANALYSIS: Memphis Grizzlies 102, Minnesota Timberwolves 98

Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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On the other side

Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) handles the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) handles the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be scary good.

Karl-Anthony Towns possesses a combination of Kevin Garnett’s tenacity and shooting touch, Tim Duncan’s low post IQ and a 6’11” linebacker’s build.

Andrew Wiggins has a lightning-quick first step, uber athleticism and a knack for scoring the basketball.

Zach LaVine has the potential to be a Jamal Crawford-esque spark in this league.

Kris Dunn displayed his John Wall-level athleticism.

Ricky Rubio is one of the most underrated defenders in basketball, possessing the ability to hound opposing point guards and attack big men with a double team.

Despite all these things, they proved one thing: their youth.

After jumping out to a dominate 16-1 lead, it looked to be a long night for Grizzlies fans. However, the Timberwolves coughed up the lead and lost the game.

After seeing a Rubio-Lavine-Wiggins-Towns-Dieng lineup, I couldn’t get over the defensive potential of this team. They’re quick, long and agile. Thibs could easily implement a switch-heavy defense and harass defenders.

While they’re looking for a playoff spot this year, they need to decide what pieces from their weak bench will compliment their young core the best.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will flash glimpses of future domination and growing pains. Their transformation from budding team to playoff team to title-contenders will be a fun process for the entire NBA.

Quotable

“Captain Clutch” is still a thing

Closing remarks

Tonight was a treat for the Memphis Grizzlies’ fans. They were able to see an exciting, back-and-forth game that came down to the wire. There should surely be optimism for improvement once Chandler Parsons and Tony Allen return to the lineup from injury. Let’s hope the Memphis Grizzlies can take their momentum from tonight to New York, as they face the Knicks on Friday.