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

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One of the most dramatic comebacks in NBA playoffs history took place on Thursday night when the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 26 point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves. The best-of-seven first-round series is tied at one.

The game is never over until there are zeros on the clock, according to Ja Morant.

The night couldn't have started worse for the Grizzlies, who fell behind 12-0. DAngelo Russell found his rhythm in the pick-and-roll game against the Memphis defense. The rest of the Wolves attack was not accounted for by the double-teams sent to Karl- Anthony Towns.

The start we wanted to have was not there. We were flailing.

The Minnesota lead was cut to seven at halftime, but the Minnesota lead was stretched back to 25 points in the third quarter. The game was tied at 83-83 with 8:33 left in the third quarter when the Grizzlies went on a 21-0 run. The surge was fueled 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 the starters struggled.

Morant, who shot just 5-of-18 for 16 points but added 10 rebound and 10 assists, said his teammates deserve a lot more respect.

The aggressive defense of Memphis helped them score 37-12 in the fourth quarter. In the second half, the Wolves attempted 39 attempts, which was 35 more than in the first half. The defense performed even though the Grizzlies struggled, according to the coach.

The Wolves were throwing haymakers, hitting big-time shots, and that's when the defensive edge was at it's best. I don't think we're going to hold them to 95 points, but I do think the guys did a good job of having activity even when their offense was struggling.

Towns was frustrated by the Grizzlies. He generated only four field goal attempts against the Memphis pressure, the lowest in any game of his NBA career, while picking up five fouls. He scored eight points.

When asked what he would do to pick up his teammates, Towns said, "Go home, drink some wine." Move on to the next day.

Towns said to remember what got him here, what got us here. We need to lean on that.

In the playoffs, the 26 point comeback in Game 3 was the best in the history of the series by the LA Clippers, who trailed Golden State by 31 points, and the 2012 Clippers, who trailed the Grizzlies by 27.

It was a weird game, but I have never been down 20 twice and won.

The Minneapolis crowd booed Morant every time he touched the ball, and a din of celebratory shouts could be heard coming from the visiting tunnel and locker room after the game. The two teams enjoy the NBA art of trash talk and have earned reputations as arrogant.

Earlier in the day, Morant said he enjoyed playing in front of a hostile crowd and he did just that Thursday night.

He said he was disrespectful like they were disrespectful.