By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 26-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95, grabbing a 2-1 lead in the NBA playoff series.
The Timberwolves opened the late Thursday game on a 12-0 run and led 39-21 at the end of the first quarter at Target Center.
But the Grizzlies grabbed the momentum in the second quarter, building a 23-12 lead.
With one minute and 40 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Minnesota were leading the game 81-58.
The third quarter ended with an 83-67 score in favor of Minnesota.
Tyus Jones hit a 3-pointer to give Memphis their first lead at 86-85 with seven minutes and eight seconds left.
Memphis extended the gap after Desmond Bane drilled a corner 3-pointer to give his team a five-point lead with three minutes and 41 seconds left, 93-88.
Ja Morant played an important role in the victory, posting a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Desmond Bane, who made seven 3-pointers, also produced 26 points and six rebounds for the winning side.
Brandon Clarke came off the bench to add 20 points and eight rebounds to be the key player for the win.
For the losing side, Jarred Vanderbilt notched a double-double with 13 rebounds and 10 points.
D'Angelo Russell was Minnesota’s highest scorer with 22 points.
- Warriors take 3-0 series lead against Nuggets
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 118-113 to take a 3-0 lead in the playoff series.
Klay Thompson (26), Jorden Poole (27), and Stephen Curry (27) combined for 80 points in the victory.
Draymond Green scored 10 assists and six points.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon made a double-double. Jokic scored 37 points and 18 rebounds, and Gordon netted 18 points and 12 rebounds.
- Mavericks take 2-1 series lead over Jazz
Dallas Mavericks seized a 2-1 series lead with a 126-118 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Dallas guard Jalen Brunson scored 31 points while Spencer Dinwiddie racked up 20.
Utah tasted defeat despite a standout performance by Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell finished with 32 points and six assists at Vivint Smart Home Arena.