In a highly anticipated matchup on April 10, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. This game marked a significant moment for Yuta Watanabe, who made his return to the NBA after nearly two months on the sidelines. Despite his presence, the Grizzlies suffered a disappointing defeat, falling to the Timberwolves with a final score of 125-141.
Watanabe, 23, entered the game during the 4th quarter with just 1 minute and 28 seconds left on the clock. He replaced Santi Aldama, stepping onto the court for the first time since February 12, 2025, when he played against the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, Watanabe did not manage to score any points or record any assists or rebounds during his brief appearance.
The Grizzlies began the game with high hopes, but the tide turned dramatically in the third quarter. They allowed the Timberwolves to score a staggering 52 points, a franchise record for Minnesota in a single quarter. This offensive explosion helped the Timberwolves, ranked 8th in the Western Conference, to pull away from the Grizzlies, who were sitting at 6th place. The loss not only stung but also intensified the competition for playoff positioning as both teams now share identical records of 47 wins and 33 losses.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with an impressive performance, scoring 36 points and dishing out 6 assists. Alongside him, Desmond Bane contributed significantly with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in with 16 points. Despite these efforts, the team could not recover from the scoring barrage unleashed by the Timberwolves.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards stole the show for Minnesota, racking up 44 points and 5 rebounds. His performance was supported by Julius Randle, who scored 31 points, along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Naz Reid also made his mark with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds. The Timberwolves' depth and scoring ability were on full display, leading them to their sixth victory in the last seven games.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Grizzlies are now facing a crucial juncture. With only two games left, they must regroup quickly to maintain their playoff position. Their next challenge comes against the Denver Nuggets on April 12, 2025, at 10 AM local time at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This game will be pivotal as the Grizzlies aim to secure their spot in the postseason amidst a tightly contested Western Conference.
The stakes are high for the Grizzlies, who are determined to bounce back from this setback. Coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the importance of resilience in his post-game remarks, stating, “We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger. Every game counts as we head into the playoffs.”
As the playoff race heats up, fans are left wondering how Watanabe's return will impact the Grizzlies' chances. Will he find his scoring touch in the upcoming games? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement of the NBA season is far from over.
