Memphis Grizzlies erase 26-point deficit to score dramatic Game 3 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS — In one of the most dramatic comebacks in NBA playoffs history, the Memphis Grizzlies clawed their way out of a 26-point hole on Thursday night to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95. Improbably, the Grizzlies now lead the best-of-seven first-round series 2-1.

“We all know the game is never over until there are zeros on the clock,” Grizzlies guard Ja Morant said.

The night couldn’t have started more miserably for the Grizzlies, who fell behind 12-0 from the opening tip. Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell, who had been struggling in the series, found his rhythm in the pick-and-roll game against a beleaguered Memphis defense. The Grizzlies sent early double-teams at Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns but failed to account for the rest of the Timberwolves’ attack.

“We didn’t have the start we wanted to have,” Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane said. “We lost our juice. We were kind of flailing.”

The Grizzlies answered by shaving the Minnesota lead down to seven at halftime, but Minnesota answered with a dominant third quarter when it stretched the lead back to 25 points. But in the final minute of the third quarter, the Grizzlies launched a 21-0 spurt that knotted the game at 83-83, with 8:33 remaining. The surge was fueled in large part by Memphis reserves, including Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke, who had 11 and 20 points, respectively. The bench provided a lift on a night when starters Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks struggled.

“[My teammates] deserve a lot more respect and recognition for what they do for us on the floor,” said Morant, who shot just 5-of-18 for 16 points but added 10 rebounds and 10 assists. “We believe we’re the deepest team in the league.”

Memphis outscored Minnesota 37-12 in the fourth quarter, and their aggressive defense played a decisive role in their rally. Overall, the Grizzlies contested 35 of the Timberwolves’ 39 attempts in the second half, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Grizzlies coach Taylor…