Memphis Grizzlies: 5 reasons not to panic after dropping Game 1 vs Wolves

No 4. Anthony Edwards unlikely to have a big Game 2 vs Memphis Grizzlies

The star wing player for the Wolves, Anthony Edwards, had an all-time great performance against the Grizzlies in Game 1. He scored an astonishing 36 points, nailing 12 of his 23 field goal attempts (4-11 3PT).

He became just the fourth 20-year-old to score 35+ points in a playoff game, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.

The good news for Grizzlies fans is that Edwards is unlikely to have another big scoring outburst in Game 2 based on his scoring his during the 2021-22 regular season.

Edwards had back-to-back 30-point games just once all season long (Feb. 11 and Feb. 13). And, perhaps more interesting, he often followed up a 30+ point game with a sub-par performance in the range of 8-12 points.

Nov. 10 – 48 pts
Nov. 12 – 9 pts

Nov. 24 – 33 pts
Nov. 26 – 11 pts

Jan. 13 – 30 pts
Jan. 16 – 9 pts

Jan. 25 – 40 pts
Jan. 27 – 27 pts

Feb. 13 – 37 pts
Feb. 15 – 9 pts

April 3 – 33 pts
April 5 – 18 pts

April 7 – 49 pts
April 10 – 8 pts

No 3. Memphis Grizzlies big man Steven Adams will bounce back in Game 2

Steven Adams had perhaps his worst game ever as a Memphis Grizzlies player in Game 1 against Minnesota.

He’s very unlikely to repeat such a performance in Game 2. Adams is the kind of player that knows how to correct his mistakes and make adjustments.

Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. may need to consider switching defensive assignments. The much more mobile Jackson will have an easier time roaming the half-court with Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Grizzlies thrive off second-chance points that are created by Adams’ offensive rebounds. If he’s out near the three-point line and away from the basket, his impact is drastically minimzlized.