Ja Calls Game, Leads Memphis Grizzlies over Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Memphis Grizzlies return after splitting the games in Minnesota. Game 4 was a heartbreaker that left a bad taste in the Grizzlies’ mouths. On the other hand, the Timberwolves come into FedExForum knowing they have to win at least one game in Memphis. So how does Memphis get a much-needed game 5 win? It starts with making Town’s life miserable, every shot he takes has to be contested fully. Secondly, Memphis must score early, and often, they have to stop treading water until halftime and coming out of the half down by double digits. And finally, make Minnesota Foul the Grizzlies, and Memphis has to make those free throws. So who came away from Beale Street leading the series 3-2?

They Are Called “Free” Throws, Grizzlies

Memphis shot an abysmal 26 for 39 from the charity stripe, with Morant shooting 11 for 17. Although he made them when it mattered most, going 6 for 6 from the line with 2 minutes to go. Free throws were the Grizzlies’ kryptonite tonight, if they just made half of the ones they missed this game wouldn’t have been as close. At the end of the day, you gotta make your free throws if you want to win in the playoffs.

Unsung Heroes Help Lighten the Load

The Grizzlies needed some help from some unsung heroes to win this game. Those unsung heroes were Brandon Clarke who had a career-high 21 points in game 5. The other hero was Desmond Bane, who had a cool 25 points. Bane has started to become more than a role player for this team, so he might just be a hero. When Jaren Jackson Jr can’t stay in the game, Clarke has to step up and he did tonight.

The Movie-Like Finish

There is 3 second left on the game clock. All tied up at 109, the Memphis Grizzlies call a timeout looking to draw up a play to win this game in regulation. Ja gets the ball, and Anthony Edwards tries to jump the pass. Leaving Morant open he drives to the hole lays it in, and it falls with just one second on the clock. After a Karl-Anthony Towns heave at the buzzer failed, the Grizzlies take a 3-2 lead over the Timberwolves. After the buzzer sounds, Ja Morant can be seen signaling he called game.

Just Gotta Win One of The Next two

After the Grizzlies won Game 5 and went up 3-2 in the series. They just have to win game 6 in Minnesota, or game 7 back at home. If I’m Grizzlies I’d want to go ahead and end this series in the Target Center on Friday night. This won’t be an easy task with the home team being on the brink of Elimination. The Grizzlies must play better than they did tonight, or they will be headed back to Memphis to play a wild game 7.