Anthony Edwards scores 44 points as Timberwolves crush Grizzlies in playoff chase

Minnesota sets franchise record in third-quarter surge to stay alive in Western Conference race.

Anthony Edwards (#5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Zach Edey (#14) of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on April 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In one of their most explosive performances of the season, Anthony Edwards scored 44 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a high-octane 141-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night. The win keeps Minnesota’s playoff hopes alive as the Western Conference battle intensifies heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Edwards was sensational from the opening tip but especially lethal in the second half, where the Timberwolves flipped a close contest into a dominant statement. The third quarter alone saw Minnesota unleash a franchise-record 52 points, breaking open the game and silencing the FedExForum crowd in Memphis.

The Timberwolves’ offensive blitz, anchored by Edwards’ explosiveness, caught Memphis completely off-guard. It was a game both teams desperately needed, but only one team rose to the challenge.

“We knew this was one of those must-win nights,” Edwards said postgame. “The playoffs are right around the corner, and we can’t afford to slip.”

The Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant’s 36 points and strong outings from Desmond Bane (28 points) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (23 points), started with high energy. For much of the first half, they matched Minnesota bucket for bucket. But the Timberwolves' second-half onslaught was too much to withstand.

Alongside Edwards, Julius Randle delivered a dominant all-around performance with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing the kind of veteran presence the Wolves have come to rely on. Naz Reid chipped in 14 points off the bench, giving Minnesota crucial depth scoring in key moments.

But it was Anthony Edwards’ 44-point explosion that made all the difference, setting the tone and ensuring the Timberwolves remained firmly in the race for one of the West’s final playoff spots.

Timberwolves rise in wild West

The win improves Minnesota to a 47-33 record, tying them with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. With just two games left in the regular season, every win is vital in the crowded Western Conference.

Ahead of them, both the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers sit at 48-32, meaning the final seeding could hinge on the last game. In such a tight race, performances like Edwards’ have become not just impressive but necessary.

“This is the kind of basketball you expect in April,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. “We played with urgency, we stayed composed, and our guys stepped up—especially Ant. He’s built for these moments.”

Third-quarter takeover

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter when the Timberwolves unleashed their full offensive arsenal. With Edwards attacking relentlessly, the team spaced the floor beautifully and punished Memphis’ defensive lapses.

Randle’s inside presence combined with Reid’s bench contributions created multiple scoring options, but Edwards led the charge with 19 points in that quarter alone.

Minnesota shot 65% from the field during that stretch, draining threes, finishing transition plays, and capitalizing on every Memphis mistake. The 52-point quarter didn’t just give them the lead—it demoralized the Grizzlies.

“We got caught flat-footed,” admitted Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins. “They hit another gear, and we didn’t respond in time.”

Edwards continues to evolve

At just 22 years old, Anthony Edwards’ 44-point performance showed maturity and poise far beyond his age. It’s the kind of night that marks the difference between a rising star and a true franchise cornerstone.

“He’s got that mindset—he wants the big moments,” Randle said of his teammate. “You can see it in how he carries himself. This isn’t a guy who’s scared of pressure.”

Edwards is averaging over 27 points per game in the last month and appears to be peaking at exactly the right time. As Minnesota eyes the postseason, his leadership and scoring have become indispensable.

His 44-point showcase wasn’t just a career highlight; it was a declaration that he’s ready to take the Timberwolves further than they’ve gone in years.

Grizzlies’ defense collapses

Despite solid offensive output from their stars, the Grizzlies had no answer defensively. The collapse in the third quarter highlighted deeper issues with their perimeter defense and transition coverage.

Ja Morant tried to rally his squad, but his efforts fell short against a Timberwolves team playing with relentless intensity.

“We just let it get away from us,” Morant said. “We’ve got two more games, and we have to refocus. It’s all about how we finish now.”

Memphis still has a chance to lock up a playoff berth, but the pressure is mounting.

The playoff picture

With all three teams—Minnesota, Memphis, and Golden State—tied at 47-33, tiebreakers and the final two games will be pivotal. Minnesota’s next matchup is a showdown against the Clippers, while Memphis faces a determined Dallas squad.

If Minnesota can ride the momentum from Thursday’s Anthony Edwards 44-point performance, they may just leapfrog their competitors.

“This is what you play for,” Edwards said. “These moments, these challenges—that’s why we work all year.”

The Timberwolves have momentum on their side, chemistry in their locker room, and a superstar in Anthony Edwards who’s stepping into the spotlight with fearless confidence.

Whether or not they secure an automatic playoff berth remains to be seen, but Thursday night’s win over the Grizzlies proves one thing for certain: Minnesota is no longer a team others can overlook.

And with Anthony Edwards scoring 44 points when it mattered most, the Timberwolves just might have the firepower to make a deep postseason run.