Memphis Grizzlies bounce back in Game 2 in spectacular fashion

The Memphis Grizzlies, powered behind a near triple-double from Ja Morant, bounced back against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their epic first-round playoff clash on April 19 by a score of 124-94.

The Memphis Grizzlies nor Minnesota Timberwolves could gain any momentum in the first quarter of this game due to a combined 20 personal fouls being committed, slowing the pace of the game drastically. It took 40 minutes to complete 12 minutes of basketball.

Things were looking like a repeat of Game 1 after Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. were all called for two personal fouls apiece in the opening minutes of the game.

But, the tide turned in the second period as the Grizzlies went on a tear offensively. Memphis outscored Minnesota from the second period onward 91-64.

Memphis absolutely crushed the Timberwolves on the offensive glass, outrebounding them 14 to 4. It led to a ton of second-chance point opportunities and allowed Memphis to wear down Minnesota’s defense.

Memphis Grizzlies got huge boost from the bench in Game 2

Memphis finished Game 2 with seven players having scored 10+ points— four of which were bench players.

Xavier Tillman Sr., who was called to step up after Adams, Jackson and Brandon Clarke all had 2+ fouls and boy did he deliever.

Tillman, who played sporadically during the regular season, was one of the reasons why the Grizzlies were able to gain momentum in the second quarter. He finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds all while shooting 6 of 7 from the field in 21 minutes.

Clarke and Ziaire Williams joined Tillman by ending up with 13 points each off the bench. Tyus Jones chipped in 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 16 minutes of action.

Something to watch moving forward is the status of Steven Adams in this series. He was terrible in Game 1 and logged three minutes before being benched in favor of Clarke. He never returned to the court in Game 2.

Game 3 of Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves is set for April 21 at 6:30 PM.