Jaren Jackson Jr. Leads Grizzlies Past Timberwolves in Gritty Road Win
In a game that saw both teams missing their marquee scorers, it was Memphis’ depth - and a big-time performance from Jaren Jackson Jr. - that carried the night. Jackson poured in 28 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, leading a well-balanced Grizzlies attack to a 116-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.
This wasn’t just a one-man show, though. Jock Landale stepped up in a major way, notching a double-double of his own with 20 points and 10 boards - and doing it with some unexpected flair from beyond the arc. Landale knocked down a career-high four triples, including a clutch one late that helped Memphis seal the deal.
The Grizzlies have now won four of their last five and seven of their last nine. That’s not just a hot streak - it’s a sign of a team finding its rhythm, even as injuries and absences continue to shuffle the lineup.
No Morant, No Problem
With Ja Morant sidelined due to a left ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s win over the Clippers, Memphis needed others to step up - and they did. Cam Spencer, who had a career-high 27 points in that same game, was also unavailable due to personal reasons. But the Grizzlies didn’t flinch.
Jaylen Wells chipped in 17 points, Cedric Coward added 13, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped in 12. Santi Aldama didn’t score much, but his presence on the glass was felt - he grabbed 11 rebounds and helped keep Rudy Gobert from dominating the paint.
Timberwolves Miss Edwards, Fall Just Short
Minnesota was playing without Anthony Edwards for the third straight game as he continues to recover from a right foot injury. And while the Wolves had enough firepower to keep things close, they couldn’t quite close the gap down the stretch.
Julius Randle led the way with 21 points, Donte DiVincenzo turned in a strong performance with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert was his usual force inside with 16 points and 16 boards. Naz Reid also added 16, including a key three-point play in the fourth that briefly pulled Minnesota within two.
But every time the Wolves made a push, Memphis had an answer.
Clutch Moments Down the Stretch
With the Grizzlies clinging to a 106-103 lead in the final minutes, Landale stepped into a three and buried it - his fourth of the night - to give Memphis some breathing room. After a miss on the other end by Reid, Jackson followed up with a soft floater in the lane with 47 seconds left, pushing the lead to seven and effectively putting the game on ice.
That late-game sequence was a snapshot of what Memphis did all night - respond. Down 76-67 midway through the third quarter, the Grizzlies went on a 14-2 run, fueled by six different scorers. Landale, Caldwell-Pope, and Jackson all hit threes during that stretch, swinging the momentum and eventually giving Memphis an 81-76 lead.
Welcome Back, Brandon Clarke
Another bright spot for Memphis: Brandon Clarke made his return to the court for the first time since March 19. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery in September to address right knee synovitis, Clarke logged six points and grabbed three rebounds in his return. It was a solid step forward for a player who brings energy and versatility off the bench.
What’s Next
The Grizzlies will look to keep the momentum rolling when they return home to host the Washington Wizards on Saturday. As for the Timberwolves, they’ll try to bounce back on Friday when they welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder - and they’ll be hoping Edwards is closer to a return.
For now, Memphis walks away with a hard-earned win built on balance, resilience, and timely shot-making. Even without their stars, the Grizzlies are showing they’re not going away anytime soon.