With the release of the 2022-23 schedule, the NBA introduced a new “Rivals Week” that will take place at the end of January. The special matchups will feature old and new rivalries, pitting hard-nosed opponents like the Clippers and Lakers against one another between January 24th to 28th.
With a total of 11 rivalry games featuring some of the best players in the league, NBA fans will have every reason to tune in during this unique week. After their exciting six-game playoff series last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves were chosen to match up with the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the inaugural Rivals Week.
It was an excellent addition by the league, as the two young teams feature top talent and have the makings of a fun, long-lasting rivalry. They also both improved in the offseason.
WATCH YA HEAD.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 16, 2022
ANT'S COMING THROUGH pic.twitter.com/WpCN4y40y0
Playoff Matchup May Have Started New Rivalry
Many NBA fans remember the Timberwolves-Grizzlies series from April as one of the most exciting matchups of the first round, if not of the entire playoffs.
Memphis came in as the number two seed in the West, and boasted the second-best record in all of basketball. But Minnesota didn’t blink, and left the Grind City with a 130-117 win in game one.
Every game of the series featured wild, hectic action, with huge comebacks and clutch shots at every turn. The skill of budding superstars like Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant was on full display.
Even though the Timberwolves couldn’t pull off the upset of the Grizz, they pushed a deep and talented team to its limit, nearly forcing a game seven. Both teams are gritty and took the matchup personally, making for must-see TV.
BIG KAT WITH THE BIG BUCKETS pic.twitter.com/vtkdOO10QM
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 24, 2022
Both Teams Will Be Near Top Of Western Conference
As the two foes enter the 2022-23 season, they’ll each be in better shape than they were last year. The Timberwolves added Rudy Gobert and a plethora of veteran role players, making it very likely they finish higher in the standings than they did in 2022.
The Grizzlies didn’t make any big name free agent signings, but they retained their core of players that helped them win a franchise record-tying 56 games. They’ll be without Jaren Jackson Jr. for the early part of the season, but that’s where their depth should give them a lift.
As a result, this matchup should prove to be even more intriguing next year, especially now that they have some history together. From an age and talent standpoint, the teams are in similar spots.
The league made a great move in pitting these two against each other once again. Being featured among some of the most prominent rivalries in the NBA means it’s likely this could be a noteworthy matchup for years to come.