The Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 2 in the Western Conference playoffs, were upset by No. 7 seed Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series 130-117.
Fortunately for Memphis, this is a best-of-seven series, which means the Grizzlies are still in this series, but the home-court advantage just evaporated by losing the series home opener.
The Memphis Grizzlies, playing their first game in six days, were upset by a scrappy and motivated Minnesota Timberwolves team that had to play their way into the playoffs via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Wolves got a huge performance from second-year player Anthony Edwards in his first-ever playoff game.
Despite finishing the game with 30 points, Ja Morant was only able to make one field goal attempt in the entire second half.
Let’s take a look at a few factors that led to Minnesota upsetting Memphis in Game 1.
No 5. The Grizzlies couldn’t make their free throws in Game 1
There was a huge point differential on the free-throw line for Memphis. The Grizzlies were abysmal from the line, which shouldn’t be surprising. Memphis was one of the worst free-throw shooting teams in the entire league during the regular season.
The Grizzlies were 32 of 43 from the line, which works out to just over 74% from the FT line. Minnesota was much more efficient, nailing 24 of their 27 free-throw attempts in Game 1.
Memphis knew free throws would be an important part of any playoff series, which is one of the reasons why they created a custom pro-wrestling style championship title for the team’s best free-throw shooter.
No 4. Memphis Grizzlies had no answer for KAT and ANT
Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards were absolutely fantastic in Game 1, showing few flaws in their respective games.
Towns finished the game 29 PTS, 13 RBS, and 3 ASTS. Edwards finished with a game-high 36 PTS to go along with 6 ASTS and 2 RBS.
It’s really tough to beat a team whose two star players combine for 60+ points. The Grizzlies are normally a stringent team on defense, having lead the league in steals per game and blocked shots per game.
No 3. The Grizzlies couldn’t keep pace with Minnesota’s three-point shooting
Memphis knew the three-point shot would be a key to stopping the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies had no chance at matching the volume in which Minnesota shot the ball, so they did their best to try to defend the three-point line.
The Timberwolves were 16 of 41 from deep, while the Grizzlies were 7 of 27. That’s a point differential of 27 on three-point shots alone.
This will continue to be a problem for the Grizzlies in Game 2 and beyond. They have to do a better job at defending that three-point line.
No 2. Steven Adams had his worst game as a Memphis Grizzlies player
Adams had a terrible Game 1. You could go as far to say that Adams had his worst game ver as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Adams, the league leader in offensive rebounds and an excellent passer was a non-factor in this game.
Despite playing 24 minutes, Adams was only able to muster 3 rebounds and 3 assists in Game 1. He had more fouls (4) than anything.
Adams was unable to chase Towns from the three different levels in which he’s able to score. Whenever KAT stepped out to the three-point line, Adams was stretched too far out to grab any rebounds.
Anytime Minnesota did a pick-and-roll with KAT, the Grizzlies would switch and Adams would be on a faster, more athletic player that would blow by him.
No 1. Jaren Jackson Jr. could not stay on the floor for the Grizzlies
I fully expected JJJ to have a huge Game 1 against Minnesota. He did the opposite. He had a terrible game.
Jackson’s lone bright spot in Game 1 was the fact that he was able to record 7 blocks. However, it came at the expense of him committing 5 fouls and kept him on the bench for long stretches.
In 24 minutes of play, Jackson finished with 12 points on 4 of 13 from the field (0-5 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 5 fouls.
Jaren is so much better than Minnesota’s Jarred Vanderbilt. He knows it, Jackson knows it, everyone knows it. That’s why the Grizzlies fed Jackson early and often in the game. He attempted four of the team’s first six shots in the game.
Game 2 of Memphis vs Minnesota is set for Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 PM CT on NBATV.