Anthony Edwards scores 34, Timberwolves move into 1st in West with 110-101 win over Grizzlies

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, right, drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 17 of his 34 points in the third quarter, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves move into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference with a 110-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr., left, drives past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Naz Reid provided a spark off the Minnesota bench with 19 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 13 points and 11 rebounds in his return after missing Tuesday’s win over San Antonio for personal reasons. The Wolves (42-17) have won three straight and lead Oklahoma City by one-half game in the West.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) blocks a shot by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) as guard Jordan Goodwin (4) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Minnesota trailed by 14 points in the first quarter and 11 early in the third but took an 88-85 lead into the fourth and never trailed again.

“You’ve got to stay mentally tough through all the ups and downs,” Edwards said. “We’ve just got to stay mentally focused, because we get disengaged a lot, especially myself. So I think it was a big win for us tonight.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 33 points and 13 rebounds. Ziaire Williams added 16 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost three straight.

The Wolves improved to 6-2 in the second game of back-to-backs, including 4-0 at home.

Memphis jumped out to an early 14-0 lead — the biggest advantage for either team. Minnesota didn’t score until Towns made a 3-pointer 3:16 into the game.

“I thought it was a great game,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Both teams battled neck and neck for most of the game, and obviously a tight fourth quarter, too. The Timberwolves came away with a few more plays.”

Minnesota went on a 9-0 run late in the third quarter, including seven straight points by Edwards, to tie it at 81-all. Edwards also clamped down on Jackson during that sequence as the Wolves looked for ways to slow down the Grizzlies’ top scorer.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., left, collides with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert as he drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

“He took the Jackson matchup and basically shut his water off,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said. “He did a great job of turning the game around on both ends of the floor in the third.”

While Edwards has continued to shine on offense, he hopes his defense becomes more recognized. Wednesday’s effort should help.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) takes a shot over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) and forward Santi Aldama (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

“It’s not like it’s my first time doing this,” Edwards said. “I have nights like this all the time where somebody gets hot or their best player gets hot and I shut them down the rest of the game.”

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) collides with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley as he drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Edwards finished 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Jackson had a chance to make it a one-possession game in the final two minutes but airballed a 3-pointer. Edwards followed with a dunk that extended Minnesota’s lead to 108-101 with 1:31 to play.

Minnesota was without forward Kyle Anderson, who suffered a left knee sprain Tuesday.

UP NEXT

Grizzlies: Host Portland on Friday.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, right, talks with Memphis Grizzlies guard Taylor Jenkins (4) during a break in action in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Timberwolves: Host Sacramento on Friday.

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, center, is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Goodwin (4) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)