Final
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Grizzlies make a stop in Twin Cities

Feb 23, 2011 - 4:14 PM (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies hope for a bounce back performance in their quest for a Western Conference playoff spot when they visit the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.

The Grizzlies emerged from the All-Star break in losing fashion in Denver on Tuesday when the Nuggets engineered a 120-107 victory despite dressing only eight players just hours after they finalized a deal to send Carmelo Anthony to New York.

Tony Allen scored 26 points and O.J. Mayo added 21 off the bench for the Grizzlies, who had a four-game winning streak snapped while losing for the eighth straight time in Denver.

The Grizzlies, who are one-half game behind Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot out West, missed Rudy Gay and his 19.8 points per game. The star swingman is expected to be out at least four weeks with a shoulder injury he suffered in the last game before the All-Star break.

"We didn't play with a lot of desire, a lot of purpose," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said.

The Wolves, meanwhile, also returned from the break with a setback in Milwaukee. Brandon Jennings posted 27 points and dished out seven assists in that one to help the Bucks defeat Minnesota, 94-88, on Tuesday.

Kevin Love registered 20 points and 17 rebounds -- his 43rd consecutive double-double -- for the Timberwolves, who have dropped five straight overall. Michael Beasley returned after missing five games with a sprained left ankle to add a team-high 21 points.

Love's streak is the longest in the NBA since Moses Malone of Philadelphia posted 44 consecutive double-doubles in 1982-83. Malone turned in an NBA-best 51 double-doubles for Houston in the 1978-79 campaign.

Wesley Johnson and Luke Ridnour had 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss, Minnesota's first without swingman Corey Brewer, who was also dealt to New York Tuesday for forward Anthony Randolph, center Eddy Curry -- whose contract is expected to be bought out -- and a second-round pick.

"We are excited to add a player like Anthony who is a young, athletic big man with a bright future. When given playing time, he has shown that he can produce in this league," said Timberwolves president David Kahn.

Memphis has won five of its past six with the Wolves, including a pair of meetings this season.