MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Anthony Edwards dazzled in his postseason debut, and Karl-Anthony Cities turned in a formidable bounce-back sport because the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Memphis Grizzlies 130-117 in Sport 1 of their first-round playoff collection on Saturday.
“We did a superb job of enjoying our sport, Timberwolves basketball,” Cities stated. “This was a workforce win. This occurred as a result of all of us got here at the moment with one objective in thoughts, and that was profitable. I assumed we performed quite a lot of profitable basketball. We did quite a lot of little issues which might be wanted to win. We must be very pleased with our efficiency.”
Edwards, the No. 1 decide within the 2020 NBA draft, scored 36 factors to change into the third-youngest participant with greater than 35 factors in a playoff sport, behind solely Derrick Rose and Tyler Herro, in accordance with ESPN Stats & Info analysis. Edwards did his harm from everywhere in the courtroom, draining 4 photographs from past the arc, making three baskets on the rim and changing 8 of 8 free throw makes an attempt in one of many extra auspicious coming-out events in current NBA historical past.
“I instructed [teammate Taurean Prince] I deal with each sport the identical,” Edwards stated. “I did not really feel any totally different — like a regular-season sport to me.”
Cities, who struggled from the sphere and with foul hassle in Minnesota’s play-in victory Tuesday night time over the visiting LA Clippers, reversed his fortunes with an environment friendly 29-point, 13-rebound efficiency. He dominated Memphis middle Steven Adams, scoring on 9 of his 11 makes an attempt in opposition to the Grizzlies’ stalwart massive man. It was a marked distinction to Cities’ uneven effort in Minneapolis.
“I am proud of the efficiency I had tonight,” Cities stated. “I simply actually really feel like that is what I am speculated to do. It should not be one thing we must be celebrating, like, ‘Oh, you bought an opportunity to play a very good sport on a nationwide stage. Try to be actually proud and excited.’ I am supposed to try this.”
In his postgame feedback, Cities emphasised Edwards’ uncanny shot-making, a capability to hit troublesome makes an attempt in opposition to tight protection. On Saturday, eight of Edwards’ 12 made subject objectives have been contested by Memphis defenders.
“He is not going to get a simple shot,” Cities stated. “For him to have the ability to take a number of dribbles within the playoffs and nonetheless get to his spot and make a shot, it is one thing that is particular. As a result of when you’re within the playoffs, normally the one-on-one dribble drives get taken away, and he is nonetheless discovering methods to get there. He is a particular expertise.”
Edwards’ shot likelihood — which measures the chance an try can be profitable — was the bottom among the many eight gamers within the sport who tried greater than 10 subject objectives, in accordance with Second Spectrum. But he completed with a wholesome efficient subject objective share of 56%.
Effectively-aware of his popularity for taking difficult, generally lower-percentage makes an attempt, Edwards quipped that he was fairly glad along with his weight-reduction plan of photographs.
“I really like my photographs,” Edwards stated. “No matter shot I take, whether or not it is a step-back trey-ball or a step-back midrange or a floater or a layup — no matter my shot is — I prefer it. Typically, [Timberwolves coach Chris Finch] might not prefer it, however I really like my shot. I am simply trusting myself.”
The Timberwolves additionally belief Edwards, because the long-suffering Minnesota franchise goes up 1-0 in its quest to win a playoff collection for the primary time since 2004.
“When he is enjoying basketball at this sort of stage, he is virtually unstoppable,” Cities stated of Edwards, earlier than correcting himself. “He’s unstoppable, really.”
1/67
ANN ARBOR — The Golden Gophers will return to Minnesota with at least one less football than they brought to Ann Arbor. Michigan’s Jyaire Hill intercepted a pass during the Wolverines’ 27-24 win on Saturday and decided to keep it for good.
“This the ball right here,” Hill said, placing it on a table during a postgame press conference. It was one of two turnovers Michigan caused in the win, both the result of impressive individual plays.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is expected to play in Saturday’s game against Minnesota after he was not listed on the team’s official availability report prior to kickoff.
Loveland exited Michigan’s victory against Arkansas State with what the team called an injury to his shoulder, but since then has improved to the point where he will be available.
Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore said that Loveland could have played last week against USC, but elected to be more cautious and give him time to recover.
The junior tight end has enjoyed a career start to the 2024 football season, catching 19 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, and his 8 receptions in each of the first two games was a personal-best.
Loveland’s return would be highly beneficial for a Michigan passing offense that has struggled to generate momentum, and threw for just 32 yards in its win against the Trojans last weekend.
Defensive back Will Johnson and defensive end Josaiah Stewart were among four players Michigan designated as questionable for the game.
Nine players were listed as out, including defensive back Rod Moore, linebacker Micah Pollard, and running back Jordan Marshall.
More … Michigan vs. Minnesota prediction
And … Gophers vs. Wolverines score prediction by expert model
–
More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams
Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks
Sherrone Moore describes locker room energy after Michigan beat USC
Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore explained his team’s energy in the locker room after a big win over USC. Michigan defeated USC, 27-24.
The No. 12 Michigan Wolverines are set for their second Big Ten Conference matchup of the season as the Minnesota Golden Gophers visit Ann Arbor today for a noon kickoff.
After trailing by four points, a 63-yard rush by fifth-year running back Kalel Mullings was the key play that led the Wolverines to a 27-24 comeback victory over USC last week. Mullings led the team with 159 yards on 17 carries and had two touchdowns.
In his first start at quarterback, junior Alex Orji went 7-for-12 passing for a paltry 32 yards against the Trojans, and was sacked twice. He rushed for 43 yards on 13 carries.
The Wolverines are currently on 23-game winning streak against Big Ten opponents in the regular season. Today’s matchup will also serve as the 99th Little Brown Jug game.
Watch Michigan-Minn live on Fubo (free trial)
Here’s Michigan vs. Minnesota game info and everything you need to know:
THE GAME: Michigan prediction, scouting report vs. Minnesota in battle for Little Brown Jug
The Michigan vs. Minnesota game starts at noon from the Big House, Michigan Stadium, in Ann Arbor.
Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press: The Wolverines have blown out mid-level Big Ten teams like Minnesota a lot in recent years, but without a solid passing game it’s hard to see them pulling away, unless it happens late. The Gophers have the better pass game, and U-M has been susceptible to giving up yards when the opponent’s QB gets the ball out quickly. But if Minnesota doesn’t establish its own run game on its end, the Wolverines’ front four of Josaiah Stewart, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Derrick Moore could feast on a one-dimensional offense. Michigan will look to wear it down Minnesota in the same way Iowa did a week ago. The pick: Michigan 20, Minnesota 12.
Odds provided by BetMGM as of Friday night.
See Michigan ticket prices for every 2024 game
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Video: Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years
Toplines: September 2024 Inquirer/Times/Siena Poll of Pennsylvania Registered Voters
Video: Who Are the Black Swing Voters?
Dem lawmakers push bill to restore funding to UN agency with alleged ties to Hamas: 'So necessary'
'I've never seen this': Top Republican details level of Secret Service 'lack of cooperation'
Election 2024 Polls: Florida
This ETF uses ChatGPT to invest like Warren Buffett
Critics slam landmark EU competitiveness report as 'one-sided'
