When is the heartbreak going to stop for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Wolves blew yet another double-digit lead on Tuesday night, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies on a Ja Morant layup with just one second to play.
JA WINS IT AT THE DEATH pic.twitter.com/dNwl5eOoVO
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 27, 2022
The final play was a horrible defensive performance from the Timberwolves, and while you may be quick to blame head coach Chris Finch for the scheme that allowed Morant to get right to the rim, Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards owned up to his mistake after the loss.
Anthony Edwards on the final Memphis possession that led to the Ja Morant game-winner:
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 27, 2022
"I had already had my mind made up that I was going to try and steal it. Dumb mistake. It's over though, so can't do nothing about it."
Yikes.
Edwards gambled, allowing Morant a free runway to the rim in a tie game. Edwards is one of the best rising stars in the league, and his 3-pointer to tie the game at 109 is the only reason the Wolves were in this position, but that doesn't soften the blow for Wolves fans.
what a play call. what a pass. what a shot. Anthony Edwards for the tie. pic.twitter.com/76A7e8WsHY
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 27, 2022
Somehow, Minnesota has managed to blow major leads three times this series, and now it trails the Grizzlies 3-2 heading into Game 6 in Minnesota. WynnBET Sportsbook currently has Memphis as a one-point road favorite in Game 6.
The Wolves' loss came down to more than just Edwards' foolish gamble on the Morant layup, but its hard not to scratch you head and wonder why he would gamble in such a big spot. Even if Edwards steals the ball, there is no guarantee he'd be able to get a quality shot off with just 3.7 seconds left, and the Wolves were out of timeouts.
Hopefully, Edwards learns from his mistake if the Wolves find themselves in this spot again.
Can an underdog come back and win in the first round? Check out the latest episode of Bet & Breakfast for our picks!