Grizzlies Back Home: Can Bane Keep Leading the Charge Against the Timberwolves?

The Memphis Grizzlies are back at home, kicking off a four-game stretch at FedExForum, and all eyes are on Desmond Bane. With Ja Morant out nursing a sore right foot, Bane has stepped up in a big way, proving he’s more than just a sharpshooter—he’s a playmaker too.

Bane’s Got This

Let’s talk about Friday night. The Grizzlies absolutely crushed the Spurs, 140-112, and Bane was running the show like he’d been a point guard his whole life. He dropped a season-high 14 assists (just two shy of his career best) and still managed to score 22 points. Oh, and Memphis? They only turned the ball over seven times. That’s their cleanest game of the season.

Coach Taylor Jenkins couldn’t say enough good things about him:
“I trust Des to make plays and create for the team. He’s attacking the rim, kicking it out for threes, and just making things happen.”

Santi Aldama Steals the Spotlight

While Bane was busy running the offense, Santi Aldama was out there having a career night. He put up 29 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and drained five three-pointers. His energy was electric, and it showed when he led a 20-5 run in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.

“Fiery Santi is the best Santi,” Jenkins said with a grin. “When he’s confident and aggressive, he changes the game.”

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Momentum Is On Memphis’ Side

The Grizzlies have won three of their last four games—all on the road—and now they’re ready to bring that energy back to Memphis. Even with Morant out, this team is showing they’ve got the depth to compete.

Timberwolves Looking to Bounce Back

On the other side, the Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a mixed weekend. They looked great beating the Knicks 116-99 on Friday but fell short the next night, losing 124-117 to the Cavaliers.

Anthony Edwards is still doing Anthony Edwards things, though. He put up 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists against the Knicks, followed by 28 points against the Cavs. But despite his heroics, Minnesota’s defense fell apart, especially on the boards. They gave up six offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter against Cleveland, which cost them the game.

Coach Chris Finch was blunt about it:
“The game slipped away because we couldn’t get those defensive rebounds.”

To make matters worse, they’re still without Donte DiVincenzo, who’s out with a toe injury.

What to Watch For

• Bane in the Driver’s Seat: Can he keep leading Memphis like this? If he does, the Grizzlies will be tough to stop.
• Rebounding Battle: Minnesota has to clean up their rebounding if they want a shot at winning.
• Big Performances: With guys like Bane, Aldama, and Edwards on the floor, expect some highlight-reel moments.

Game On

Memphis is rolling, and their home crowd will be fired up. Minnesota has the talent to challenge them but needs to fix their defensive issues. If Bane and Aldama keep bringing the heat, the Grizzlies could keep their win streak alive.