The 2022 Western Conference first-round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies delivered frantic momentum shifts, historic fourth-quarter comebacks, and intense physical play. As the second-seeded Grizzlies clinched the series 4-2 on April 29, 2022, they shut down Minnesota's upset bid and advanced to face the Golden State Warriors. This matchup defined a turning point for two rising young franchises characterized by contrasting styles and relentless swagger.
Behind the leadership of Ja Morant, Memphis overcame massive deficits through sheer offensive pressure and depth. Minnesota pushed the favorites to the brink with explosive scoring bursts from Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, but late-game execution issues ultimately cost them the series. Let's break down how the Grizzlies closed out the showdown and what decided the outcome.
The Battle of Contrasting Rosters and Styles
Entering the postseason, the Memphis Grizzlies held the higher seed with a stellar 56-26 regular-season record. The Minnesota Timberwolves fought through the play-in tournament to secure the seventh seed, bringing an energetic, high-variance offense anchored by Edwards, Towns, and point guard D'Angelo Russell.
Memphis relied on paint dominance, transition scoring, and secondary contributors like Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke. Minnesota countered with perimeter shooting and aggressive defense schemes designed to neutralize Morant's lane penetration. Every game featured double-digit swings, proving that seeding numbers meant very little once the ball tipped.
Key Turning Points Across Six Games
The series swung on a series of dramatic momentum collapses that kept fans on edge.
- Game 1 Upset: Minnesota grabbed home-court advantage immediately with a 130-117 win, powered by a 36-point playoff debut performance from Anthony Edwards.
- Game 3 Historic Collapse: The Timberwolves blew a 26-point lead, allowing a staggering 21-0 Memphis run in the fourth quarter as Morant secured a triple-double.
- Game 5 Late Execution: Memphis stole a 111-109 victory after a late defensive stop, putting Minnesota on the brink of elimination.
- Game 6 Clincher: The Grizzlies secured the series with a 114-106 win in Minneapolis, outscoring the Wolves late behind clutch shooting from Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane.
For example, the Game 3 collapse remains one of the most talked-about meltdowns in recent playoff history, highlighting Minnesota's youth and inability to manage late-game clock situations.
Standout Individual Performances
Several players elevated their status on the national stage throughout this physical six-game series.
Anthony Edwards announced his arrival as an elite superstar, averaging over 25 points per contest and hitting tough shots under immense pressure. On the other side, Desmond Bane shot nearly 50 percent from beyond the arc, stretching Minnesota's defense to its absolute breaking point.
Brandon Clarke punished the Timberwolves on the offensive glass, providing essential second-chance points whenever Memphis struggled in the half-court. Meanwhile, Ja Morant struggled with his shooting efficiency early in the series but dominated as a facilitator, dishing out double-digit assists and hitting critical floaters in the closing minutes of tight contests.
Common Mistakes That Defined the Series
Looking back at the tape, both teams exposed clear flaws that prevented either side from dominating cleanly.
- Turnover Vulnerabilities: Minnesota struggled with careless ball movement during crunch time, feeding Memphis transition opportunities.
- Foul Trouble: Physical interior play forced key big men like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaren Jackson Jr. to the bench for extended stretches.
- Defensive Containment: Neither squad found a reliable answer for opposing guards driving straight down the middle of the floor until late adjustments were made.
Teams that fail to protect the basketball in hostile playoff environments rarely survive deep runs, a lesson the Timberwolves learned firsthand against a disciplined Memphis squad. Read more about basketball analytics and historical matchups on Basketball Reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2022 playoff series between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies?
The Memphis Grizzlies won the first-round series four games to two, eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves.
How many points did Anthony Edwards average in the series?
Anthony Edwards averaged over 25 points per game during his breakout playoff introduction, leading the Timberwolves in scoring.
Who did the Grizzlies play in the next round?
After defeating Minnesota, the Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals to face the Golden State Warriors, who ultimately won the NBA championship that season as documented by the NBA Official Site.
What was the most lopsided game of the series?
Game 2 was the most decisive blowout, with the Grizzlies securing a dominant 124-96 victory on their home floor.
