Memphis Grizzlies rally, defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime

Ja Morant couldn't recall a game with such twists and turns in the final minutes. After the Memphis Grizzlies won 125-118 in overtime Monday night over the Minnesota Timberwolves, his body was spent as he leaned back.

"I'm ready to go get in the bed, man," he told reporters.

Morant tried to end things with seven points in the final 56.3 seconds of regulation. His two free throws with 2.5 seconds left should've capped a win after the Grizzlies trailed by 16 points in the fourth quarter.

But Karl-Anthony Towns responded with a 39-foot bank shot at the buzzer to force overtime. The Timberwolves celebrated but the Grizzlies (6-4) had the final say when Brandon Clarke - who hadn't played non-garbage time minutes since Oct. 27 - made two late tip-in layups to seal the win.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch Grizzlies' De'Anthony Melton dunk over Timberwolves' All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns

GIANNOTTO: Why criticizing Jaren Jackson Jr.'s slow start never made much sense

It was an unlikely finish to an unexpected thriller at FedExForum. Here's what we learned from the fourth time the Grizzlies overcame a double-digit deficit.

Ja Morant does it again

The Timberwolves (3-6) led 102-86 with 7:30 remaining. They were in control until they weren't and Morant took over with 12 points in the final 5:02 of regulation.

In the final minute, Morant had a game-tying dunk in traffic and gave the Grizzlies a 111-108 lead on a pull up 3-pointer in Towns' face. He only had two points in overtime but added an assist to De'Anthony Melton for a 119-117 lead with 1:37 left that started a 8-1 run to close the game.

Add this to the list of things Morant has done to elevate his game to a higher level this season. He finished with 33 points, eight assists, six rebounds and was 10-for-12 from the free throw line.

Clarke brings a lift

With Ziaire Williams out with right wrist soreness, Clarke played 24 minutes and brought an instant spark. During an 11-0 first quarter run to give the Grizzlies their first lead, Clarke added four points and an offensive rebound.

He ended the first half with another tough rebound through two defenders while being fouled. Once Jaren Jackson Jr. fouled out in overtime, Clarke had three rebounds and both of his layups came in the final 1:04.

Clarke finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. It was a welcome return to action and a reminder of what he can bring on the floor.

Defense rests than gathers

The Grizzlies allowed the Timberwolves to go on a 30-10 run in the final 7:59 of the third quarter. It highlighted their worst defensive tendencies, including poor closeouts and slow rotations on shooters as Minnesota shot 6-for-8 on 3-pointers.

It was the exact opposite in the fourth where the Grizzlies held the Timberwolves to 31.8% shooting. Melton had two steals and Jackson added two blocks in the period, including one of D'Angelo Russell's potential game-winning layup that was initially ruled goaltending.

The Grizzlies even drew a five-second inbounds violation near the end of regulation. As Morant noted, it was defense they've needed and it returned when it was crucial.

Full house beats three aces

The Timberwolves had a trio of players with at least 25 points, led by Russell with 30 points. Anthony Edwards had 27 and Towns finished with 25 along with 13 rebounds.

But the Grizzlies' balance was much better. Melton had 19 points and a thunderous dunk over Towns. Desmond Bane had 13 points, including four in overtime, while Kyle Anderson added 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists off the bench.

Jackson had 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks while playing the entire fourth quarter at center. In all, six players scored in double figures and despite Morant's heroics, the Grizzlies relied on collective support showing their depth.

Another clutch win

The Grizzlies are now 5-1 in clutch-game situations, which NBA.com defines as a game trailing by five points or less in the final five minutes They were 19-19 in such games last season.

Once again, they showed poise of a young, but experienced team. Jackson thriving at center in those situation is another growing development the team is leaning on as Steven Adams did not play after the third quarter.

Ten games in, the Grizzlies have been defined by two things: Morant showing he can become a superstar and fourth quarter toughness. It's early but that's a good foundation that's being laid for things to come once injured Dillon Brooks returns to the fold.

Next up

The Grizzlies host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) in a matchup of the last two Rookie of the Year winners in Morant and LaMelo Ball.

Memphis won both meetings last season.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime