The Minnesota Timberwolves blew a 26-point lead to lose 104-95 to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves held two separate 20-point leads over Memphis, with the largest lead in the second quarter. Minnesota led by 16 points to start the fourth but went scoreless for several minutes. Memphis went on a 23-0 run and outscored the Timberwolves 37-12. An utterly disappointing showing from the Timberwolves allowed Memphis to hold a 2-1 series lead.
The Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane led all scorers with 26 points. Brandon Clarke contributed 20 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Memphis star Ja Morant struggled offensively shooting 5-for-18, but he finished with a triple-double. Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had an underwhelming performance scoring only eight points. D’Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves in scoring with 22 points and eight assists. Memphis and Minnesota will meet in Game 4 on Saturday.
Elsewhere the Golden State Warriors defeated the Nuggets 113-118 to take a 3-0 lead. There was excellent offensive production from Jordan Poole, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. All three combined for 80 points to lead the Warriors to victory. Nikola Jokic put up 37 & 18 to propel the Nuggets to a fightback but he was unable to carry his team all the way. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the playoffs.
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Dallas Mavericks also defeated the Utah Jazz 126-118 to take a 2-1 lead. They were once again without Luka Doncic who is expected to return for game 4 of the series.
