Grizzlies Snap Losing Streak as Ty Jerome Returns to Spark Offense Against Timberwolves 137-128
You could practically hear the collective exhale inside FedExForum on Monday night. For a Memphis Grizzlies squad that has been battered by injuries and burdened by a six-game skid, the weight was becoming heavy. But against a surging Minnesota team that had just beaten them 48 hours prior, the Grizzlies finally punched back.
Behind a masterful 30-point performance from Jaren Jackson Jr. and an emotional return from guard Ty Jerome, Memphis built a commanding 20-point lead and managed to hold off a furious late rally to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 137-128.
The Grizzlies Find Their Rhythm Behind Jackson Jr.
With Ja Morant still sidelined due to an elbow sprain, the onus was squarely on Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the offensive load, and the big man delivered. Jackson Jr. was a force of nature, efficient and aggressive, finishing the night with 30 points and six rebounds. Perhaps most telling of his aggressive mindset was his work at the charity stripe, where he was a perfect 11-for-11.
It wasn’t just a one-man show, however. The offense, which had looked stagnant during the losing streak, finally found its flow. Memphis used lethal long-range shooting to create separation early, a stark contrast to their struggles on Saturday. By halftime, the Grizzlies had already established a 66-58 lead, fueled by an 8-of-15 start from beyond the arc.
Ty Jerome’s Immediate Impact on the Grizzlies’ Rotation
The story of the night, however, was the return of Ty Jerome. After missing 46 games—three agonizing months of rehab for a severe right calf injury—Jerome stepped onto the floor and wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt.
It took him just 40 seconds to score his first basket, a soft bank shot that evaded the outstretched arms of Rudy Gobert. That bucket seemed to unleash months of pent-up energy. Despite being on a minutes restriction, Jerome was electric, pouring in 19 points and dishing out eight assists in just 20 minutes of action.
“It felt great to just get back on the court and have some fun,” Jerome told reporters post-game. “Playing the game again was a great feeling.”
His presence provided a stabilizing force for a Grizzlies backcourt that has been scrambling for answers in Morant’s absence. His ability to facilitate the offense allowed the rest of the roster to settle into their roles, leading to one of the team’s most balanced scoring efforts of the season.
Holding Off a Surge from Anthony Edwards
While Memphis controlled the tempo for most of the night, the Timberwolves didn’t go quietly. Minnesota arrived in Memphis riding a four-game winning streak, and superstar guard Anthony Edwards did everything in his power to extend it to five.
Edwards was spectacular, exploding for 39 points and grabbing seven rebounds. In the fourth quarter, he and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points) orchestrated a comeback attempt that had the Memphis crowd nervous. Minnesota, trailing by 20 at one point in the second half, managed to cut the deficit to single digits, threatening to steal the game in the closing minutes.
However, unlike previous games during their losing streak, where late-game execution faltered, the Grizzlies stood their ground. They opened the fourth quarter, hitting their first four shots—three of which were 3-pointers—to extend the lead to 109-89, providing just enough of a cushion to withstand Edwards’ late-game heroics.
Depth Charges: How the Grizzlies Bench Stepped Up
This win was a testament to the “next man up” mentality Memphis has been forced to adopt. Beyond Jackson Jr. and Jerome, the contributions were widespread. Jaylen Wells chipped in 18 points, while Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. each added 16.
The Grizzlies needed every bit of that depth to combat a Minnesota team that saw Julius Randle add 19 points and Jaden McDaniels score 29. But on this night, Memphis simply had more firepower.
The win snaps a difficult stretch for Memphis, who had lost nine of its last eleven games coming into Monday. It provides a much-needed morale boost as they prepare to head out West. The Grizzlies will look to carry this momentum into Sacramento on Wednesday as they kick off a daunting five-game road trip.
For one night, at least, the frustration of the injury report was replaced by the joy of the win column.
