Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves Timeline: All-Time Rivalry & Stats
Basketball fans love a good rivalry, and the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline is one of the most exciting ones in the West. It isn’t just about two teams playing a game. It is about young stars, loud crowds, and games that come down to the very last second. Whether it is Ja Morant flying through the air or Anthony Edwards hitting a deep three, this matchup always delivers fireworks.
When we look back at the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, we see two franchises that grew up together. Both teams have spent years building through the draft, finding “diamonds in the rough,” and developing a gritty culture. Today, they are no longer the underdogs. They are the heavyweights. In this article, we will walk through the history, the big playoff moments, and the most recent games from the 2025-2026 season to see who truly owns the North-vs-South battle.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
To understand the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, you have to look at the numbers. These two teams have been incredibly even over the years. As of early 2026, the all-time regular-season record is almost a dead heat, with the Timberwolves holding a razor-thin lead in total wins. However, the Grizzlies often find ways to win when it matters most at home.
The energy in the building changes when these two meet. The Grizzlies rely on their “Grit and Grind” roots, while the Wolves use their length and defensive pressure. Because they play in the same conference, every win is a double-edged sword. It helps one team climb the standings while pushing the other down. This constant tug-of-war is what makes the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline so fascinating for stat-heads and casual fans alike.
| Era / Type | Total Games | Grizzlies Wins | Timberwolves Wins |
| All-Time Regular Season | 115 | 56 | 59 |
| All-Time Playoffs | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| 2025-2026 Season | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Last 10 Matchups | 10 | 4 | 6 |
The 2022 Playoff Series: A Defining Moment
If you ask any fan about the most important part of the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, they will point to April 2022. This was the first time these two young squads met in the postseason. It was a chaotic, high-scoring, and emotional six-game series. The Timberwolves actually led in almost every game, but the Grizzlies became the “Comeback Kids,” erasing double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter multiple times.
This series changed how we view both teams. We saw Ja Morant take over late-game situations and Desmond Bane prove he was an elite shooter. On the other side, Anthony Edwards showed the world he was a superstar in the making. Even though Memphis won the series 4-2, the Timberwolves proved they belonged on the big stage. This series is the heart of the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline because it turned a regular matchup into a genuine grudge match.
Recent Battles: The 2025-2026 Season
Fast forward to the current 2025-2026 season, and the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline has only gotten more intense. This year, the teams have traded blows like heavyweight boxers. On January 31, 2026, the Timberwolves walked into Memphis and dominated with a 131-114 victory. Anthony Edwards was unstoppable, scoring nearly 40 points and silencing the crowd.
However, the Grizzlies are known for their resilience. Just two days later, on February 2, 2026, they got their revenge in a high-scoring 137-128 thriller. This win showed that when Memphis is healthy, they can outrun anyone. These back-to-back games are perfect examples of why fans keep a close eye on the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline. You never know which team will show up with more energy on any given night.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Every great story needs great characters. In the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, those characters are the players. For Minnesota, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert provide a “Twin Towers” defense that is hard to score against. But the real engine is Anthony Edwards. His “Ant-Man” persona and scoring outbursts have made him the primary villain for Memphis fans.
For the Grizzlies, the story starts and ends with Ja Morant. His speed and ability to get to the rim put constant pressure on the Wolves’ defense. Supporting him is Jaren Jackson Jr., a defensive beast who can block shots and hit threes. When these stars collide, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline becomes a highlight reel. Their individual matchups often decide the outcome of the entire game.
Home Court Advantage: FedExForum vs. Target Center
In the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, where the game is played matters a lot. The FedExForum in Memphis is known as the “Grindhouse.” The fans there are loud, and they stay late. The Grizzlies have historically played much better at home, using the crowd’s energy to fuel their fast breaks. It is a tough place for any visiting team, especially a division rival.
On the flip side, the Target Center in Minneapolis has become a fortress for the Timberwolves. Since their recent success, the Minnesota crowd has turned the arena into a sea of blue and white. Winning on the road in this rivalry is rare and impressive. Looking at the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline, the home team wins about 60% of the time, proving that these two teams really feed off their local supporters.
Coaching Strategies and Tactical Adjustments
Behind every win in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline is a coach with a plan. Taylor Jenkins of the Grizzlies loves a high-pace game. He wants his players to run, steal the ball, and score before the defense can set up. This aggressive style often catches the Timberwolves off guard, leading to those famous Memphis comebacks.
Chris Finch of the Timberwolves usually tries to slow things down. He utilizes the height of his roster to dominate the rebounding battle. By controlling the glass, the Wolves try to limit the Grizzlies’ second-chance points. This “clash of styles”—speed versus size—is a recurring theme in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline. Watching the coaches adjust their rotations mid-game is like watching a high-stakes chess match.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Rivalry
What does the future hold for the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline? Both teams are built to win for a long time. Their core players are mostly in their mid-20s, meaning we could see another decade of high-level competition. As they both aim for an NBA Championship, they will likely have to go through each other in the playoffs again.
The next few years will be about consistency. Can Memphis stay healthy enough to reclaim the top spot in the West? Can Minnesota’s defense remain elite as their players age? One thing is certain: the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline will continue to grow with more legendary games and viral moments. Fans should mark their calendars every time these two appear on the schedule.
Statistical Breakdown: By the Numbers
If you love data, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline offers plenty to chew on. Over the last few seasons, both teams have ranked in the top 10 for defensive efficiency. This means their games are often physical and low-scoring, or they are explosive offensive displays where both teams cross the 120-point mark.
Interestingly, the Grizzlies usually lead in “points in the paint,” while the Timberwolves often have the edge in three-point shooting and blocks. This statistical divide shows exactly how different their basketball philosophies are. When you analyze the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline through stats, you see a battle between “Old School” interior dominance and “New School” perimeter play.
Why Fans Love This Matchup
At the end of the day, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline is popular because it feels personal. The players talk trash, the fans trade barbs on social media, and the games always feel like they have “playoff intensity.” It isn’t a fake rivalry manufactured by the media; it is a real one born from playing tough games against each other year after year.
There is a level of respect between the two cities, too. Both Memphis and Minneapolis are “mid-market” cities that have to work harder to get national attention. By playing at such a high level, both teams have forced the world to take notice. The Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline represents the best of small-market basketball—hard work, loyal fans, and incredible talent.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline is a journey of growth. We’ve seen them go from the bottom of the standings to the top of the Western Conference. We’ve witnessed a classic playoff series and countless regular-season thrillers. As we move through the 2026 season and beyond, this matchup remains one of the “must-watch” events on the NBA calendar.
FAQs
1. Who has won more games in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline? Historically, the Timberwolves have a slight lead in regular-season wins, but the Grizzlies hold the upper hand in playoff series wins, notably winning their 2022 encounter.
2. What was the highest-scoring game in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline? One of the highest-scoring games occurred recently on February 2, 2026, where the Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 137-128.
3. Have the Grizzlies and Timberwolves ever met in the Western Conference Finals? No, their most famous meeting was in the First Round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
4. Who are the top scorers in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline? Ja Morant and Desmond Bane usually lead the way for Memphis, while Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are the top scorers for Minnesota.
5. Why is the 2022 playoff series so important to the timeline? It was the first time the two young cores met with high stakes, sparking a rivalry that has lasted for years.
6. When is the next game in the Memphis Grizzlies vs Timberwolves timeline? The teams meet several times a year. You can check the latest NBA schedule for the upcoming 2026 season matchups.
