Karl-Anthony Towns bounces back, Anthony Edwards erupts for 36 in Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 1 win

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Anthony Edwards dazzled in his postseason debut, and Karl-Anthony Towns turned in an impressive bounce-back game as the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Memphis Grizzlies 130-117 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday.

«We did a fabulous job of playing our game, Timberwolves basketball,» Towns said. «This was a team win. This happened because all of us came today with one goal in mind, and that was winning. I thought we played a lot of winning basketball. We did a lot of little things that are needed to win. We should be very proud of our performance.»

Edwards, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, scored 36 points to become the third-youngest player with more than 35 points in a playoff game, behind only Derrick Rose and Tyler Herro, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Edwards did his damage from all over the court, draining four shots from beyond the arc, three baskets at the rim and converted 8 of 8 free throw attempts in one of the more auspicious coming-out parties in recent NBA history.

«I told [teammate Taurean Prince] I treat every game the same,» Edwards said. «I didn't feel any different — like a regular season game to me.»

Towns, who struggled from the field and with foul trouble in Minnesota's play-in victory Tuesday night over the LA Clippers, reversed his fortunes with an efficient 29-point, 13-rebound performance. He dominated Memphis center Steven Adams, scoring on 9 of his 11 attempts against the Grizzlies' stalwart big man. It was a marked contrast to his choppy effort in Minneapolis.

«I'm happy with the performance I had tonight,» Towns said. «I just really feel like that's what I'm supposed to do. It shouldn't be something we should be celebrating, like