Western Conference Chaos: Timberwolves Shake Up NBA Playoff Picture With Dominant Win Over Grizzlies
Thanks to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Western Conference playoff picture is more unpredictable than ever, with just two games remaining for each team.
Powered by a sensational 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves dismantled the Memphis Grizzlies 141-125 on Thursday night, forcing a three-way tie for sixth place. Six teams — the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, and Warriors — now sit within two games of each other, setting the stage for a dramatic final weekend.
The stakes? Everything from home-court advantage in the playoffs to slipping into the dreaded play-in tournament.
Edwards Ignites the Wolves
Entering the night needing a win to avoid the brink of a play-in slot, Minnesota came out with purpose. After a competitive first half, Edwards exploded, leading a 29-7 run to open the third quarter and swing the game decisively.
The Grizzlies were notably without rookie Jaylen Wells, who would have been key in defending Edwards. Wells remains out indefinitely after suffering a broken wrist on Tuesday.
Edwards finished with 44 points on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting. Julius Randle added 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Ja Morant paced Memphis with 36 points and six assists.
Turmoil and Turnover in the West
Memphis has struggled since the surprising mid-season firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, going 3-4 since his departure. Meanwhile, Denver’s own coaching shakeup — parting ways with Michael Malone — adds another layer of volatility.
What’s certain: Oklahoma City and Houston have locked in the top two seeds. Sacramento and Dallas will face off in the lower-tier play-in matchup.
Everything else? Still wide open.
Current Western Conference Standings (as of April 10)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (66-14)
- Houston Rockets (52-28)
- Los Angeles Lakers (49-31)
- Denver Nuggets (48-32)
- Los Angeles Clippers (48-32)
- Golden State Warriors (47-33)
- Memphis Grizzlies (47-33)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (47-33)
- Sacramento Kings (39-41)
- Dallas Mavericks (38-42)
It’s a high-stakes showdown reminiscent of the classic Glengarry Glen Ross line: “First place gets a Cadillac, second gets steak knives, third gets fired.” For these six teams, the consequences of their final two games couldn’t be clearer.
Final Two Games Per Team:
- Lakers: vs. Rockets, @ Blazers
- Nuggets: vs. Grizzlies, @ Rockets
- Clippers: @ Kings, @ Warriors
- Grizzlies: @ Nuggets, vs. Mavericks
- Warriors: @ Blazers, vs. Clippers
- Timberwolves: vs. Nets, vs. Jazz
Minnesota may currently sit in the eighth spot, but they arguably have the easiest path forward, facing two lottery-bound opponents. Meanwhile, the Clippers and Warriors are primed for a must-watch showdown in their regular-season finale.
The race is on, and with superstars like LeBron James, Nikola Jokić, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Ja Morant, and Anthony Edwards all in the mix, the NBA is set for an electric close to the 2024–25 regular season.
Tags: NBA playoffs, Anthony Edwards, Western Conference standings, Timberwolves vs Grizzlies, NBA 2025 race
