From Ray Richardson/Pioneer Press:
At first glance, Memphis’ 97-95 victory Wednesday night before an announced crowd of 11,408 has the appearance of an inspirational effort by the Wolves (2-16).
Ramon Sessions missed two free throws that could have tied the score with 1.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but there was a consensus among Wolves players and coaches that the feel-good atmosphere took a walk in the third quarter.
“Once again our youth and inexperienced was exposed,” Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said. “We won every quarter, I believe, except for the critical one.”
That was, of course, the third quarter.
That was when the Grizzlies — ending a five-game, nine-day road trip — played with more aggression and more urgency. Memphis erased an eight-point halftime deficit in a third quarter when they forced seven of the Wolves’ 14 turnovers.
Jefferson, Minnesota’s most dangerous scorer, barely touched the ball in the game’s final four minutes as the Grizzlies forced the Wolves to look for other ways to score. That success on defense allowed Memphis to survive an ugly stretch of offense as all the minutes took their toll on the Grizzlies down the stretch — only one point was scored by either team in the game’s final minute and a half, and Memphis scored only five points in its last eight possessions.
“We were wearing down, but we kept them from scoring, too,” Mayo said. “Man, I can’t wait to get home.”
No wonder. The Grizzlies have played 12 road games in their last 17, including this eight-day, 2-3 trip.
The Wolves had no such excuse, having played three of their last four at home…
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