Edwards Leads Timberwolves Past Shorthanded Grizzlies In Memphis

The Minnesota Timberwolves stormed into FedExForum on January 31, 2026, brimming with confidence and momentum, and left Memphis with a resounding 131-114 victory over the injury-riddled Grizzlies. This win marked Minnesota’s fourth straight, bumping their record to an impressive 31-19 and tightening their grip on a competitive Western Conference playoff race. For Memphis, the night was a bitter pill—this loss was their sixth in a row, their longest losing streak since the 2023-24 season, and it came with their roster severely depleted by injuries.

Heading into the contest, the Timberwolves were heavy 10.5-point road favorites, a nod to both their recent form and the Grizzlies’ lengthy injury report. Memphis, sitting at 18-28, was missing key contributors: Santi Aldama and Ja Morant were both out, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar were also sidelined. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were largely healthy, with only guard Terrence Shannon Jr. absent due to a foot injury. The odds, set at Timberwolves -450 on the moneyline and an over/under of 229.5 points, reflected the anticipated mismatch.

The two teams’ previous meeting on December 17, 2025, had seen the Grizzlies pull off a 116-110 upset in Minneapolis, powered by a dominant 28-point, 12-rebound performance from Jaren Jackson Jr. But this time, Memphis would have to find answers without their star forward, and it quickly became apparent how much they missed his presence on both ends of the floor.

From the opening tip, Minnesota played like a team on a mission. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ electric guard, set the tone early and never looked back. Edwards, who had been averaging 29.3 points per game, erupted for 33 points on the night, slicing through the Grizzlies’ defense and knocking down shots from deep. He continued his hot streak from beyond the arc, building on a stretch where he had hit at least four three-pointers in eight of his last eleven games prior to this matchup.

Edwards wasn’t alone in the scoring parade. Three other Timberwolves—Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels—each eclipsed the 20-point mark, showcasing Minnesota’s impressive offensive depth. McDaniels, in particular, continued his run of form, having scored at least 14 points in seven of his previous nine games. The Timberwolves’ offense was firing on all cylinders, matching a season-high with 22 made three-pointers in their previous outing against Oklahoma City and carrying that sharp shooting into Memphis.

Julius Randle, who has been a steady presence for Minnesota, contributed more than just points. While he had been averaging 22.2 points and 5.3 assists per game, his recent trend of tallying under 12 rebounds plus assists in seven of his last eight games continued, reflecting his evolving role in the Timberwolves’ offense. Naz Reid provided a spark off the bench, and Rudy Gobert anchored the paint, making life difficult for Memphis’ makeshift frontcourt.

For the Grizzlies, the night was as much about who wasn’t on the floor as who was. Without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis struggled to keep pace, especially as the Timberwolves poured in 39 points in a decisive quarter that saw the visitors open up an 18-point lead. The Grizzlies shot 44.4% from the field, but the absence of their top scorers left them searching for answers on offense.

There was, however, a bright spot for the home crowd. Guard Ty Jerome, sidelined since preseason by a high-grade ankle sprain, made his season debut for Memphis. Despite being on a minutes restriction, Jerome made an immediate impact, finishing with 20 points and six assists in just 20 minutes of action. His return injected some much-needed energy and playmaking into the Grizzlies’ lineup, and his performance drew praise from teammates and coaches alike.

Jaylen Wells led Memphis with 10 points early in the contest, but as the game wore on, it became clear that the Grizzlies simply didn’t have the firepower to keep up with Minnesota’s relentless attack. The Timberwolves’ ability to spread the floor and share the scoring load proved too much for the undermanned Grizzlies, especially as the game slipped away in the second half.

Memphis’ struggles were compounded by their recent form. The loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat, a season high, and left them languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies have now lost eight of their last ten games, and their home record fell to 9-15. It’s been a tough stretch for a team that, just a season ago, was considered one of the league’s most promising young squads.

For Minnesota, the victory was another statement of intent. After enduring a five-game losing streak earlier in the month, the Timberwolves have now rattled off four straight wins, all by double digits. Their defense has tightened up considerably, holding opponents to an average of 99.7 points per game during the streak, and their offense has found a new gear with Edwards leading the charge.

As the final buzzer sounded in Memphis, the Timberwolves had not only avenged their earlier loss to the Grizzlies but also sent a message to the rest of the Western Conference: this team is for real, and they’re peaking at just the right time. With the playoff race heating up and the standings tightly packed from the fourth to the seventh seed, every win matters—and Minnesota is making theirs count.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, will have little time to regroup. They’re set to host the Timberwolves again on February 2, providing an immediate opportunity for redemption. Whether Memphis can snap their skid and get healthy remains to be seen, but for now, the Timberwolves are riding high, their eyes fixed firmly on the postseason and beyond.