Gasol leads Memphis over Timberwolves; Garnett sits out game

Chucky Atkins added 17 points and Bobby Jackson had 16 points for Memphis, which has won four of five and moved into sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference playoff standings. The Grizzlies moved one-half game ahead of the idle Los Angeles Clippers.

Justin Reed had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves, who played the game without Kevin Garnett. The All-Star forward did not make the trip with the team because of a knee injury. It is reported that he may not suit up for the team again this season.

Minnesota lost for the fourth time in five outings, while also dropping its 14th straight on the road.

The Grizzlies began to build a lead late in the first quarter. With the game tied at 13, Atkins started a 12-0 surge to end the quarter with a pair of three-pointers. Gasol added four points during the run, which gave Memphis a 25-13 lead after 12 minutes.

After Trenton Hassell drew the Timberwolves within 28-19, Jackson scored the first five points during a 9-0 burst that extended Memphis’ cushion to 37-19 with under 5 1/2 minutes to play until the break.

The Grizzlies coasted into halftime with a 44-29 lead and were never threatened in the second half. Minnesota trailed by as many as 23 points in the third quarter, the final time coming at 66-43, and went into the fourth down 68-50.

The Timberwolves also played without guard Ricky Davis, who is nursing a strained groin.

Game Notes

Memphis leads the season series 2-1...Minnesota’s Rashad McCants left the game in the fourth quarter with a right ankle sprain. McCants ended with 11 points...Memphis shot 45.1 percent for the game...Minnesota hit 41.3 percent of its shots.