Grizzlies' Desmond Bane shoves Timbewolves head coach, claims 3-2 series lead

April 27, 2022

The Memphis Grizzlies are leading 3-2 in their game series over the Minnesota Timberwolves after defeating the visiting team 111-109 in Game 5. However, that was not the only memorable experience the Memphis roster had to experience on Tuesday night at FedExForum.

Guard Desmon Bane learned the hard way to never shove the opposing team’s head coach, Chris Finch. Not only that was unacceptable, but it also showed that he had little to zero sportsmanship. Game officials, of course, were not hesitant to issue a technical foul upon request.

How it happens

Minnesota led the game early on in the first quarter with a 31-28 advantage after center Karl-Anthony Towns and forward Anthony Edwards pushed to corner up the hosting Memphis.

KAT ended up having 28 points, one assist, and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, teammate Edwards trailed behind in second with 22 points.

The Grizzlies recovered in the second quarter and closed up the gap entering the second half of the game, trailing behind with only two points.

Things went slightly heated up for Bane late in the second quarter. The 23-year-old was involved in a brief intense situation with Finch who was posting on the side of the court near the Timberwolves’ bench.

Bane passed the ball near to the Timberwolves head coach and prepared in his position to shove the 52-year-old out of his way. Finch was shocked and had Minnesota fans sitting behind him at the ready-to jump whenever they were needed.

Game officials were quick on their toes to issue a technical foul to the player for putting his hands on the opposing coach.

Bane, Ja Morant lead Memphis to victory

For the Grizzlies, the night belonged to guard Ja Morant, who racked up a team-high 30 points, nine assists, and 13 rebounds. The Dalzell-born was named the Most Improved Player on Monday. He did not show any slump in his performance on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old gave more than enough energy boost and propelled the franchise to a 3-2 game series lead. Morant went to put up quite a show with his big dunk in the third quarter.

He turned the game further to Memphis’ side in the fourth quarter after hitting 18 points. With only 1:03 left on the clock, the 2022 NBA All-Star ensured the Grizzlies a quarter lead since the franchise’s previous in the second.

“Obviously, he had a brilliant fourth quarter,” Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said.

Morant came from the low post to inbound the ball with only 3.7 seconds left. Minnesota was depending on Edwards as its top key to limit what the Grizzlies’ guard had to offer.

Edwards failed, saying that it was a “dumb mistake” as he wanted to steal the ball and left a huge open lane for Morant to produce an underhanded layup while also topping Minnesota forward Jarred Vanderbilt.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” Towns added. “You feel like you got it after all the mistakes made and everything like that. We hit a big 3 to tie the game up with 4 seconds. You feel good. You feel good about going into overtime and having a chance to win the game. Just a learning experience.”

Gus
Gus Anderson
Gus Anderson is a gambling wizard. As a kid he dreamt about becoming a Tennis, Hockey and Golf professional but ended up as a gambling professional with focus on both sports & casino.