The FedExForum in Memphis was buzzing with anticipation on February 2, 2026, as the Minnesota Timberwolves rolled into town to face the Memphis Grizzlies in a showdown that, on paper, looked like a classic tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Timberwolves, riding high on a four-game win streak and boasting a 31-19 record, were widely predicted to extend their dominance over a struggling Grizzlies squad mired in a six-game losing streak—their worst skid in seven years. Yet, the NBA loves a good plot twist, and Memphis delivered one in emphatic fashion, snapping their skid with a 137-128 victory that sent shockwaves through the Western Conference.
Tip-off was set for 6:30 p.m. CT, and fans tuned in via Peacock or packed the arena, eager to see if the Timberwolves could replicate their recent 131-114 win over Memphis just two days prior. The odds, after all, were in Minnesota’s favor: sportsbooks had them as 6.5-point favorites, and the SportsLine Projection Model gave the over/under at 229.5 points, projecting a high-scoring affair. But as the saying goes, that’s why they play the games.
Both teams entered the contest with lengthy injury reports, but the stars aligned for a marquee matchup. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, nursing a sore back from the previous clash, was cleared to play just before tip-off. Julius Randle, who’d been dealing with a thumb injury, was also available, maintaining his impressive streak of not missing a game all season. However, Terrence Shannon Jr. remained sidelined with a lingering foot injury, having not played since Christmas Day. For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr.—probable with a quad issue—returned to the lineup, while key names like Ja Morant (elbow), Santi Aldama (knee), Brandon Clarke (calf), Zach Edey (ankle), John Konchar (neck), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) were all out, leaving the Grizzlies shorthanded but determined.
The Timberwolves’ game plan was clear: lean on their defensive anchor, Rudy Gobert, who entered the game leading Minnesota in rebounds and blocks, and ranked second in the NBA for total boards. Offensively, the Wolves boasted the firepower of Anthony Edwards, who had shown resilience despite his injury, and the ever-reliable Randle. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, looked to Cedric Coward, one of their top scorers with nearly 14 points per game, and hoped for a spark from recent addition Ty Jerome, who’d just returned from injury himself.
From the opening tip, Memphis played with a sense of urgency and hunger that had been missing during their losing streak. They seized early double-digit leads in both the first and second halves, defying expectations and keeping their home crowd engaged. By halftime, it was clear this wouldn’t be a repeat of Saturday’s blowout loss. The Timberwolves, however, refused to go quietly. Jaden McDaniels provided a first-half boost with 17 points, and Minnesota’s offense kept chipping away, closing the gap to just two points early in the fourth quarter.
But every time the Wolves threatened, Memphis responded. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a force on both ends, finishing the night with a commanding 30 points. His defensive presence was felt, but it was his offensive aggression that truly set the tone. Ty Jerome, making only his second appearance since returning from a season-long injury, was electric off the bench. He poured in 19 points and dished out eight assists in just 20 minutes of action, providing the kind of backcourt stability Memphis had sorely missed in Morant’s absence.
“We knew we had to step up,” said Jerome postgame, according to The Commercial Appeal. “It’s been a tough stretch, but everyone in this locker room believes we’re better than our record shows.”
Anthony Edwards did everything he could to keep Minnesota in the fight, erupting for 39 points and showing no signs of being hampered by his back. His relentless attacking in the fourth quarter kept the Timberwolves within striking distance, but the Grizzlies’ collective effort—anchored by Jackson Jr. and Jerome—proved too much to overcome. Coward chipped in with timely buckets, and Memphis shot an efficient 47.8% from the field, their best offensive output in weeks.
The Timberwolves, who average 119.3 points per game, found themselves outgunned despite their usual offensive prowess. Gobert battled on the boards, but the absence of Shannon Jr. and some cold stretches from the perimeter ultimately hurt Minnesota’s chances. Randle, though available, couldn’t find his rhythm against Jackson Jr.’s defense, and the Wolves’ bench was outscored by Memphis’ reserves.
For the Grizzlies, the victory was more than just a number in the win column—it was a much-needed morale boost. The six-game skid had weighed heavily, with injuries piling up and the Western Conference playoff race tightening. “We needed this one,” Jackson Jr. told local reporters. “It’s been frustrating, but tonight we proved what we’re capable of when we play together and with energy.”
SportsLine’s model had predicted a high-scoring contest, and the teams delivered, combining for 265 points—well above the projected total. The win improved Memphis to 19-29, while Minnesota dropped to 31-20, still safely in the playoff picture but left with questions after a defensive letdown. The Grizzlies now look ahead to their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings on February 4, hoping to build on this momentum and claw their way back into the postseason conversation. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will regroup and aim to get back on track as the regular season grinds on.
In a season full of twists and turns, Memphis reminded everyone that no streak—good or bad—lasts forever. With Jackson Jr. healthy and Jerome injecting new life into the backcourt, the Grizzlies may have just turned a corner. The Western Conference race is far from settled, and if this game was any indication, both teams still have plenty of fight left in them.