On Monday, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards showcased his growing 3-point dominance against the Memphis Grizzlies in a closely contested 137-128 defeat. Edwards, the team’s franchise player, scored 39 points in 40 minutes, highlighting his transformation into an elite outside shooter as he took on Ja Morant, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury.
Edwards made a statement early with a three-pointer late in the first quarter and taunted Morant with the words, “You can’t do that, Ja!” demonstrating his confidence and competitive fire. Both players are known for their explosive athleticism, but Edwards’ improved shooting from beyond the arc has elevated him above Morant in this area.
Improvement in 3-Point Shooting Separates Edwards and Morant
During his rookie season, Edwards shot 32.9% from three-point range, already a respectable figure. Over the last two seasons, however, he boosted that mark to nearly 40% on close to 10 attempts per game, establishing himself as a reliable and high-volume shooter from deep. In contrast, Morant’s 3-point shooting has declined sharply, dropping from 33.5% in his rookie year to 23.5% this season.
Edwards’ expanded shooting range has impacted how defenders guard him, forcing opponents to stay close and allowing him to become a more versatile offensive threat. The contrast in their shooting efficiency highlights Edwards’ evolution into a more lethal perimeter scorer compared to Morant.
Friends and Rivals: Competitive Spirit Sparks On-Court Drama
Despite their friendly rapport and mutual trash-talking, the matchup displayed a clear stylistic difference. After the game, Edwards and Morant shared a brief hug as good friends. However, Morant’s Grizzlies managed to bounce back from an earlier 131-114 loss against the Timberwolves, reclaiming some pride by winning this game.
Edwards Reacts to Loss Against Firepower-Depleted Grizzlies
Three nights before their latest encounter, Edwards dropped 33 points to help the Timberwolves comfortably defeat the Grizzlies. This time, however, Minnesota faced a Memphis squad absent multiple key players, including Morant, and still fell short. When asked if the loss was due to his team’s mistakes, Edwards responded candidly:
“Yeah, definitely on us. We knew everything they were gonna do. They just played with a little better pace than us. They wanted it more tonight.” – Anthony Edwards
Memphis saw the return of Jaren Jackson Jr., who did not play in the previous loss to Minnesota. Jackson Jr. contributed impressively with 30 points, six rebounds, and one assist, providing a significant boost to the team’s performance. Other role players like Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells also stepped up, compensating for a roster that was still missing several key contributors.
Memphis’ strong 46% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, combined with better ball movement and a rebounding edge, ultimately allowed the Grizzlies to edge out the Timberwolves despite Edwards’ stellar scoring night.
Rising Stakes Ahead for Both Teams and Star Performers
Anthony Edwards’ 3-point dominance illustrates his growing impact as a franchise cornerstone for Minnesota, signaling a shift in his offensive role that demands respect from defenders. His duel with Ja Morant, two of the league’s exciting young talents, epitomizes the evolving dynamics within the NBA’s rising stars. With Morant’s shooting struggles and Edwards’ consistent improvement, their head-to-head matchups will continue to draw intense attention.
As the Timberwolves seek to capitalize on Edwards’ expanded skills and Morant aims to regain his form, both players will be central figures to watch in the months ahead. The contests between Minnesota and Memphis may well define momentum shifts in their respective playoff pushes, adding significance to each encounter.
Anthony Edwards to Ja Morant after hitting a 3:
“You can’t do that, Ja!” pic.twitter.com/xCsF9Qg0L6
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 3, 2026
Anthony Edwards x Ja Morant. ✊
(h/t @EricTweetsNBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 3, 2026
Anthony Edwards when asked if this loss to Memphis felt self-inflicted
"Yeah, it's definitely on us. We knew everything they were gonna do. They just played with a little better pace than us. They wanted it more tonight." pic.twitter.com/ON6BaFMLqp
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 3, 2026
