How Timberwolves’ Huge Win Over Grizzlies Shakes Up the Wild Western Conference Playoff Race

As the 2024-25 NBA regular season winds down, the playoff picture in the Western Conference is still far from settled. With just a handful of games left for each team, the standings are as tight as ever, and the drama is escalating with every passing day.

The stakes were high on Thursday night when the Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in a pivotal game that could shake up the entire playoff race. Behind an explosive performance from Anthony Edwards, who dropped 44 points, the Timberwolves secured a 141-125 victory, evening their record with the Grizzlies. But despite the win, Minnesota remained locked in the No. 8 seed, thanks to tiebreakers that favored Memphis.

With only two games remaining for every team in the Western Conference, the playoff race is still wide open. The next few days could bring major shakeups, and no team is safe from the uncertainty that defines this wild, wild West.

Anthony Edwards Leads the Charge for Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves’ victory over the Grizzlies was a statement win, and it was all thanks to the brilliance of Anthony Edwards. The star guard was simply unstoppable, putting up 44 points in a performance that left fans buzzing. Edwards has been one of the most exciting young players in the league this season, and Thursday’s game was a prime example of why.

“I just felt in a rhythm,” Edwards said after the game. “My teammates did a great job of finding me, and I just took advantage of the opportunities. It feels good to help the team get this win, especially with everything on the line.”

Edwards’ incredible performance not only helped the Timberwolves stay in the playoff hunt but also kept them within striking distance of a higher seed. However, with tiebreakers still in play, Minnesota’s playoff positioning is anything but guaranteed.

The Western Conference Playoff Race: One Game, So Much at Stake

With only two games remaining, the Western Conference playoff picture is a frenzy of uncertainty. The Memphis Grizzlies, who started the night in the No. 6 seed, are now in a precarious position, having dropped to No. 7 following their loss to the Timberwolves. This loss flipped the Grizzlies’ spot with the Golden State Warriors, who are now sitting comfortably in the No. 6 seed thanks to their favorable tiebreaker.

And while the Grizzlies and Timberwolves are battling it out for a spot in the top six, the stakes are equally high for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. These two teams have already locked in their spots as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively. As it stands, the Thunder (66-14) hold the top spot, followed by the Rockets (52-28).

The Los Angeles Lakers, currently the No. 3 seed, will face the No. 6 Warriors in the first round, while the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are slated to meet in what promises to be an intense 4-5 matchup. The bottom of the bracket is equally intriguing, with the play-in tournament looming large.

What’s Next for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Warriors?

The remaining two games for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Warriors are all crucial in determining the final seeding. The Timberwolves have a pair of challenging matchups against the Brooklyn Nets and the Utah Jazz, while the Grizzlies face the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors, on the other hand, will finish their season with games against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Clippers.

All three teams are in a tight race, and every game matters. As the clock ticks down on the regular season, the excitement is building, and the Western Conference playoff race has never been more thrilling. The next few days will be packed with drama, as teams fight for positioning and try to secure their spot in the postseason.

The Playoff Picture as of Thursday Night

Seed	Team	Record	Games Left
1	Oklahoma City Thunder	66-14	2
2	Houston Rockets	52-28	2
3	Los Angeles Lakers	49-31	2
4	Denver Nuggets	48-32	2
5	Los Angeles Clippers	48-32	2
6	Golden State Warriors	47-33	2
7	Memphis Grizzlies	47-33	2
8	Minnesota Timberwolves	47-33	2
9	Sacramento Kings	39-41	2
10	Dallas Mavericks	38-42	2
11	Phoenix Suns	35-45	2
12	Portland Trail Blazers	35-45	2
13	San Antonio Spurs	33-47	2
14	New Orleans Pelicans	21-59	2
15	Utah Jazz	17-63	2

The race is on, and it’s anyone’s guess which teams will secure their place in the postseason and who will end up in the chaotic play-in tournament. As the season draws to a close, the excitement surrounding the Western Conference is palpable, and basketball fans across the league are eagerly watching every game unfold.