Amid trade speculation, Timberwolves fall to Grizzlies 137-128

Chris Hine, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Feb 2, 2026

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This week can be one of the most difficult weeks on the NBA schedule for players: trade deadline week. Uncertainty surrounds a lot of their futures, and that can affect their play on the court.

That could especially be a factor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are at the center of rumors regarding former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

But the business of playing games goes on in the meantime, and the Wolves had another matchup at Memphis Monday, one that they lost 137-128. The loss ended a four-game Wolves winning streak, two nights after they beat the Grizzlies.

Anthony Edwards had 39 points to lead the Wolves.

How it happened

The primary marker for the Wolves having the appropriate amount of effort on a given night is the team’s defensive intensity. A short-handed Memphis team had no trouble scoring on them most of the night.

The Grizzlies went ahead late in the first quarter and never relinquished the lead. After Memphis pushed the lead into double digits in the third quarter, the Wolves had a 9-0 run as Edwards got to the rim, but he and the Wolves were upset with the officiating.

As the Wolves complained and Edwards picked up a technical, Memphis kept building its lead, which reached 20 early in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, Memphis went to the free-throw line 13 times compared to the Wolves’ five.

In the end, the Wolves couldn’t get a stop. Memphis shot 46% from 3-point range with Jaren Jackson Jr., who sat out the Saturday game, scoring 30 points. Memphis had seven players in double figures.

The Wolves’ bench production was again lacking. Naz Reid had 10 points, Bones Hyland had just three while Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark didn’t score. Joan Beringer did not play.

McDaniels continues his tear

McDaniels (29 points) had his third consecutive game of 20 or more points. He shot 11 for 14 and has shot 69% over the last three games as he continues a career best offensive season.

McDaniels hit another five 3s on seven attempts after coming into the game shooting 45% on the season.

Randle, Edwards questionable, but play

Julius Randle (thumb) and Edwards (foot injury management) both came into the game questionable but played. Randle has not missed a game this season and has played all 82 once in his career. Coach Chris Finch told reporters before the game that Randle was “banged up” but it wasn’t enough to hold him out of the lineup.

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