Watch CBS News

Valanciunas Leads Grizzlies To 118-107 Win Over Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jonas Valanciunas had 24 points and 16 rebounds, Grayson Allen scored a season-high 20 off the bench and the Memphis Grizzlies came back to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-107 on Wednesday night.

Brandon Clarke added 19 points for Memphis, which outscored Minnesota 38-17 in the fourth quarter to win its third straight game.

Playing without Ja Morant for the eighth game in a row, the Grizzlies had a 50-21 advantage in points off the bench. De'Anthony Melton scored 15 and rookie Xavier Tillman chipped in with 12.

Malik Beasley had 28 points for Minnesota. D'Angelo Russell added 25 and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds.

The teams continue a two-game series Friday in Minnesota.

Memphis Grizzlies v Minnesota Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter of the game at Target Center on January 13, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

The two youngest clubs in the NBA to start this season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, are still trying to find their way through injury and ineffectiveness. Morant has been limited to three games because of a left ankle sprain, while Justice Winslow and Jaren Jackson Jr. haven't played this season.

Towns has missed seven games after dislocating his left wrist. The Wolves were winless without their big man in the middle before beating San Antonio on Sunday with Towns sitting out the second game of a back-to-back.

With Towns on the bench to start the fourth, Memphis went on a 14-0 run to take a 94-92 lead. Allen hit a pair of 3-pointers during the spurt as the Grizzlies' bench again took advantage.

The Wolves went to their starters to stem the tide, but couldn't handle Valanciunas down low, while the Grizzlies upped their defensive pressure.

Russell had scored eight points during a 13-4 run for the Timberwolves in the third to give them an 11-point lead.

TIP-INS

Grizzlies: After scoring 20-plus points in two straight games, Dillon Brooks was limited to nine on 4-of-15 shooting. … Valanciunas set season highs in points and rebounds. He had eight offensive boards. ... G John Konchar was questionable with a left ankle sprain but was active.

Timberwolves: In his second game back from a hamstring injury, Josh Okogie returned to the starting lineup, with Jarrett Culver coming off the bench. It marked the seventh different starting lineup in 11 games for Minnesota this season. … F Jake Layman missed the game for personal reasons. … The Wolves had 13 turnovers to seven for Memphis.

(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.