Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from unflappable Game 5 win vs Timberwolves

The Memphis Grizzlies pulled off another remarkable come-from-behind win in the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As has been apropos for the entire series, the Grizzlies did not play well and it looked like there was a very real chance Memphis would have to head to Minnesota down 2-3 with their backs against the wall.

But, then Ja Morant turned up and had himself a franchise-best fourth quarter, scoring 18 of his 30 points in the game’s final 12 minutes. And, he hit a game-winner of Timberwolves forward Jarred Vanderbilt to give the Grizzlies the 111-109 Game 5 win.

Memphis missed a ton of three-point shots (7-28 3PT) in the game and a ton of free throws (26-39 FT) that could have put the Grizzlies in a much better position throughout the game.

Instead, Memphis trailed for the entirety of the second half, until Ja Morant hit his first and only three pointer of the night with 1:03 left in the game.

Let’s take a deeper dive into some takeaways from this rollercoaster of a playoff game for the Grizzlies.

No. 1: Brandon Clarke a major reason the Memphis Grizzlies won Game 5

The backup forward has seen his star shine bright in this first-round series vs the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Gonzaga alum has seen his role become vitally important since Jaren Jackson Jr. has been unable to figure out how to stay on the court in this series.

Clarke played 37 minutes off the bench for Memphis in Game 5, recording 21 points and 15 rebounds— 9 of which were offensive rebounds.

It’s nothing new, as Clarke has been the x-factor in this entire series. Through five games against Minnesota, Clarke is averaging 16.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, and is shooting 52.2% from the field in 28.6 MPG.

Clarke only averaged 19.5 MPG during the regular season, which shows you how out outstanding he’s been that he’s been able to stay on the floor in such an important role.