Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane believes his team needs to play more physical against the Timberwolves in Game 2, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Memphis lost 130-117 in Game 1 on Saturday, allowing Minnesota to shoot 50% from the field and win the rebound battle 46-35.
That rebounding clash included 11 offensive rebounds from the Wolves. Minnesota was led by Anthony Edwards (36 points and six assists), along with Karl-Anthony Towns (29 points and 13 rebounds). Game 2 of the series is on Tuesday.
“Physicality is something that we felt like we addressed coming into the series, and I didn’t think that it was there tonight,” Bane said of the Game 1 loss. “At least at the level it needed to be to win. We’re going to have to get grimy out there to win a playoff series.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- The young Timberwolves are establishing themselves as a problem this year, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic writes. Minnesota has gained confidence as the campaign moves on, showing potential by defeating Memphis (30-11 home record) on the road in Game 1.
- Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. is a key part of the team’s culture change, Christian Clark of NOLA.com opines. Nance finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds off the bench in the club’s play-in tournament win over the Clippers. The seven-year veteran is well-respected by his teammates and coaches. “Look at what we got,” Nance said. “This is a situation anybody can look at from the outside. When I was in Portland, I knew it. Then when I got here, I really knew it. We have Brandon Ingram, who is an All-Star at 25 years old. We have CJ, who is playing like an All-Star. And a freak (Zion Williamson) on ice right now. Who wouldn’t be thrilled about coming to the situation? This summer, I left Cleveland and wanted to go to a playoff team. Now, look, here we sit. I’m thrilled to be here.”
- In order to beat the Warriors, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon must have a good series, Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports writes. “Aaron Gordon is at his best when he’s attacking,” head coach Michael Malone said. “We don’t want to just settle for 3s as a team.” Gordon finished with just eight points and five rebounds in 26 minutes on Saturday. Denver lost the first game of the series 123-107, shooting 11-of-35 from three-point range (31%).
My favorite series:
First round matchup
Suns vs Clippers
Both Kawhi and George are healthy
healthy Warriors vs healthy Nuggets
Memphis had a great regular season but they allowed the unproven TWolves to walk into their home court and lay 130 points on them.
Ofcourse they need to be more physical.
Everyone knows the refs swallow the whistles during the playoffs atleast a little.
Was watching that game and down the stretch they kept Brandon Clarke on at centre, and he wasn’t offering them anything. Missed multiple contested lay ups and alleys and was getting out rebounded on the offensive end.
It just kept reminding me of my take for them mid season. They should trade for James Wiseman.
Wiseman has struggled with injuries in GSW and in his limited action he hasn’t been able to show of all of his ability. Maybe I rate him too highly but I think he could be a top 10 centre and all the hype Mobley is getting, Wiseman would’ve received had he not been injured.
I honestly think he just needs a fresh start and Memphis would be a really good spot for him to thrive with Ja Morant and other young players. His value would be cheaper than what it once was but I’d assume it’s still kinda high.
The deal:
Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, DAnthony Melton and the 29th pick in the draft for Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman.
GSW saves a little bit of money against the cap, they add on an extra first round pick, Adams comes in a fills out the 5 spot perfectly. Brooks fits that GSW play style perfectly and Melton can be perfect for coming off the bench.
Memphis line up Ja Bane Wiggins JJJ Wiseman which is a great mix of talent. Off the bench Clarke and Williams with money to spend in FA or bringing back Anderson and Jones.
Why would grizzlies want to give half of their team for a prospect who hasnt played in 3 years and a kpop allstar? Oh and also some more picks? Warriors are ROBBING memphis in this trade.
Not really, Brooks would be on a 1 year deal. Adams on a 1 year deal and Melton.
Grizzlies get back an all star and a former top 5 pick who I believe has all star potential
Seriously, what drugs are you on?
“Was watching that game and down the stretch they kept Brandon Clarke on at centre, and he wasn’t offering them anything. Missed multiple contested lay ups and alleys and was getting out rebounded on the offensive end.”
Clarke shot 6 for 7 that game and had 12 rebounds. So he missed one shot. You claim you watched the game and he missed multiple shots down the stretch. What?
Yes I watched the game and maybe he only registered 1 miss shots but he atleast gave the ball up 3 times down the stretch in the 4th.
Be it missing an alley (registered as a Ja turnover), be it losing the ball in the paint (his own turnover), missing a shot. Obviously you didn’t watch cause you’d agree that when the ball went in his direction it was often a let down offensively. Even on defence I remember McDaniels collecting an offensive rebounds on him and jamming it on his head. They gave up lots of offensive rebounds.
I might’ve been wayward with what I said originally but I watched the game and he was weak in the fourth and let them down. Which reminds me of my mid season take that they should upgrade at centre and wiseman would be a great choice as he is young and would do well with Ja JJJ and those guys
The correct response would be ” Oops, I was wrong, he didn’t miss multiple shots”
Try again.
Bury that trade. Stop admitting to thinking of it. They don’t need an expiring nor a no-go. Neither addresses what you say they need.
Memphis will still win the series easily.
Easily but are down 1-0 at home
The Ja PO plug-N-play makes this team to reliable to his play making, Grizz have played a more team basketball at the end of the season and they now have to adapt asap to Jah at the worst time of the season… I wish coach Jenkins would have played Jah as a 6th man like Kerr did with Curry the first half.
Last thing is JJJ being in foul trouble to early BC of BS calls…refs really don’t like this guy much like over good defenders in the league
Ja took over the game but it wasnt a good thing.
No way is he an Most Improved. Indeed I cannot see he’s improved at all. And to overlook a good MIP candidate, Bane.