Il Nuovo Postiglione - Edwards leads Wolves past Grizzlies as playoff race heats up

The Timberwolves erupted for a franchise-record 52 points in the third quarter to surge clear of the Grizzlies and take what turned out to be a decisive lead in Memphis.

Edwards received offensive support from Julius Randle, who finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Naz Reid added 14 points from the bench.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies scoring with 36 points, while Desmond Bane added 28 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. 23.

The result was the latest twist to a Western Conference battle for playoff places that has five teams tussling for three remaining automatic post-season berths in the final days of the regular season.

Memphis, Minnesota and the Golden State Warriors now have identical 47-33 records with two games remaining, while the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are just ahead, both on 48-32.

"We've got two more tough games, we've got a game tomorrow and then a game on Sunday -- we don't know what's ahead of us, we've just got to take care of business," Edwards said afterwards.

The Timberwolves close their regular season against the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz, two teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention and have little to play for.

The Grizzlies meanwhile have a tougher finale, facing Denver on the road on Friday before a home game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, who are in the play-in tournament.

In other games on Thursday, the Indiana Pacers made sure of a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference after edging past an under-strength Cleveland Cavaliers 114-112.

The Cavaliers, who have already clinched the No. 1 seeding in the East, rested most of their starters for the game as they prepare for the playoffs.

T.Barbieri--INP