By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
It was one of the craziest triple-headers in the ongoing 2022 NBA playoffs.
After trailing by as much as 26 points, the Memphis Grizzlies completed one of the greatest comebacks in NBA post-season history and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-95, while the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of sweeping the Denver Nuggets after taking Game 3, 118-113, to grab a 3-0 series lead.
Desmond Bane led a gritty Memphis comeback and shouldered most of the offensive load after dropping a game-high 26 points including knocking down seven of his 15 three point attempts.
Patrick Beverley and the Timberwolves looked to blow the game wide-open after bullying the Grizzlies for most of the game.
However, an insane 18-0 run to kick-off the fourth quarter spearheaded Memphis’ comeback that helped them take a 2-1 series lead and silenced the Minnesota fans at the end of regulation.
Despite a dismal 5/18 shooting from the field, superstar Ja Morant recorded a triple-double and finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Brandon Clarke also provided the much-needed spark for the Grizzlies and was responsible for the hustle plays which led to second-chance points that helped them claw their way back in the second half.
The energetic forward chipped in 20 huge points, eight rebounds, and one block while backup point guard Tyus Jones added 11 points, five boards, and four dimes.
Meanwhile, The Golden State Warriors proved to be too much for the Denver Nuggets and got a combined 80-point production from their splash trio: Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole with 27 each and Klay Thompson with 26.
Nikola Jokic looked to get a win on their home floor after his 37-point outing and helped the Nuggets take over the lead in the second half but the Warriors’ offensive efficiency and ball movement picked them apart.
Draymond Green was once again huge for Golden State after making the most important stop of the night when he stole the ball from Jokic with 40 seconds left in the ball game.
In the other game of the schedule, Jalen Brunson and the Dallas Mavericks got the win against the Utah Jazz, 126-118, and showed that they can fight without superstar Luka Doncic to take a 2-1 series lead.
