Steven Adams

Kiwi centre Steven Adams has clocked just three minutes of court time as his Memphis Grizzlies side pulled level in their NBA playoffs first round series ...

Kiwi centre Steven Adams has clocked just three minutes of court time as his Memphis Grizzlies side pulled level in their NBA playoffs first round series against Minnesota 20 April 2022 Kiwi centre Steven Adams has clocked just three minutes of court time as his Memphis Grizzlies side pulled level in their NBA playoffs first round series against Minnesota

Get a recap of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies basketball game.

His layup gave Memphis a 87-60 lead with 4:15 to go in the third, and the Grizzlies led 96-77 going into the fourth. Officials called a foul on Towns early, then on the same play got Patrick Beverley for a technical after a swipe at Morant’s head. Grizzlies: Entering the game had lost four of their last five games including the series opener. “It shows just how physical and locked in you’ve got to be every single night regardless of the opponent,” Towns said. “That’s really where the game was won.” That kept the NBA's top scoring teams in the regular season from getting into any rhythm as they combined to shoot 33 free throws. This time, Memphis shot 11-of-34 with six Grizzlies knocking down at least one. Patrick Beverley summed up Minnesota's struggles when his layup before the buzzer rolled off the rim. Naz Reid and Taurean Prince had 12 each off the bench, and D'Angelo Russell added 11. "Obviously, you know, if you get a triple-double, it’s hard to do it in this league, so that’s special as well. Seven Grizzlies finished in double figures with Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman Sr. and Ziaire Williams each having 13. The result?

The Timberwolves found a way to make Steven Adams uncomfortable on defense. How should the Grizzlies adjust?

He deserves the benefit of the doubt that Saturday was probably his worst game as a Grizzly. His impact is vital to the team’s system. Reduce the amount of time Adams has to roam on the perimeter. He only trailed Dillon Brooks for best on-off differential on the team this regular season, as the Grizzlies were 5.1 points per 100 possessions better with Adams on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass. His elite ability to gather offensive rebounds and to free his teammates up off screens are paramount for the Grizzlies’ halfcourt offense. For Adams, he wouldn’t be asked to defend as much of the floor, and he could serve as more of a quarterback of the defense and call out actions and changes in coverages. That sort of architecture and intention is designed for the post player to throw a pass that’s either erratic or telegraphed. Off the double, Clarke and Jones are walling off the passes to Edwards and Russell, two of Towns’ most lethal options. The most popular decision is to cut Steven Adams’ minutes in favor of Brandon Clarke and (to a lesser extent) Kyle Anderson. That’s a very likely route Taylor Jenkins goes down. This direction also follows another coverage change, and that’s double-teaming Towns whenever he catches and dribbles in the post. Giving him too much room to find his shot is a bold strategy, one the Grizzlies shouldn’t lean on going forward in this series. The play here would’ve been opening up the corner and baseline, where a Jackson shift could’ve put Towns in a less favorable position with fewer angles for him to attack. When Adams attempts to recover on the pass, Towns catches him flat-footed or scrambling, opening up a driving lane straight to the basket. The case is even stronger for Steven Adams. The Grizzly big man doesn’t have the mobility to contain this level and combination of speed, strength, and shooting.

The Timberwolves victory over Memphis on Saturday was among the most attention-getting outcomes in the opening games of the NBA playoffs.

If things aren't working in Game 2, Jenkins has to get creative with his lineups and take some gambles. Tyus Jones, one of the best backup point guards in the NBA and the league's leader in assist-to-turnover played just 16 minutes in the game. Also: Memphis fans know better than anyone, though, that Game One isn't always a testament to how the series goes. Minnesota feasted on him, whether he was guarding Towns or put in switching situations against Edwards. Jackson Jr.'s foul trouble compounded the issue, although the Grizzlies stabilized their defense early in the second quarter playing Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke inside. And not in a good way. The Grizzlies were favored, trailed throughout and lost home-court advantage in addition to the game.

We take a look at the Showdown contest on DraftKings between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, giving you Captain's Picks and who to fade.

Anthony Edwards ($8,200) - Edwards was a monster in Game 1, putting up 36 points, six assists, and two rebounds in the win for the T-Wolves. He even slightly outscored Towns, bringing in 54.5 fantasy points on the night with 40 minutes on the floor. The Grizzlies find themselves in a pretty rough spot heading into Game 2, despite being 6.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook. Losing both opening games at home and heading to Minnesota down 2-0 would be nothing short of disastrous for a team who dazzled the league all season long. Jarred Vanderbilt ($3,900) - While Vanderbilt averaged 22.7 fantasy points per game throughout the regular season, his last three outings have been fairly underwhelming, averaging just 10.6 fppg in that stretch. KAT proved to be too much for the 28-year-old center, as Adams didn’t even make it on the score sheet through 24 minutes on the floor. He outdid Morant in Game 1, bringing in 52.75 fantasy points with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists on the night. Morant will run the Grizzlies offense as usual and should be expected to bring in the best performance as far as Memphis goes.

The big Kiwi centre was not injured, just straight benched and what he said to the coach has stunned Grizzlies fans.

Like elite athletes at their peak, our sports journalists are highly trained in the art of news. Steven Adams hasn’t played the final 45 minutes of this game but I’m not sure he’s sat down on the bench. Been hyping up and coaching from the sideline all game.

The kiwi centre found himself in early foul trouble, playing just the first three minutes of the game after copping two early fouls. Coach Taylor Jenkins says ...

Steven Adams has taken a measly three minutes of court time in his stride as the Memphis Grizzlies locked up their NBA playoffs first round series against the Minnestota Timberwolves 20 April 2022 Steven Adams has taken a measly three minutes of court time in his stride as the Memphis Grizzlies locked up their NBA playoffs first round series against the Minnestota Timberwolves The kiwi centre found himself in early foul trouble, playing just the first three minutes of the game after copping two early fouls.

The Kiwi played only three minutes of Grizzlies' playoffs victory over Timberwolves after connecting with slap to Jarred Vanderbilt's face.

Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. each added 16 with Jackson hitting 4 of 7 from 3-point range as the Grizzlies set a franchise-record for largest margin of victory in the postseason. Morant went to the bench with 4:40 left to a huge ovation. Vanderbilt appeared to make the most of it.