Kyle Anderson checked into a game to a large ovation in his first appearance back with his old team.

No, this isn’t about when Anderson entered a game on Feb. 20 with the Memphis Grizzlies after previously playing with them. This was Anderson — now with the Minnesota Timberwolves — returning to Target Center after reaching a buyout agreement with the Grizzlies on Feb. 28.

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Like he previously played in Memphis, Anderson also spent two prior seasons with Minnesota. His 2026 debut with the Timberwolves was one of three notable returns on March 3.

The Grizzlies also welcomed back Ty Jerome (left thigh) and Cedric Coward (right knee), both of whom had missed time due to injury.

Memphis started strong, building a lead that stretched to 11 points. But a 16-5 third-quarter run, combined with a 41-point explosion from Anthony Edwards, swung momentum. Minnesota pulled away in the second half and held on for a 117-110 win.

Here’s how the three returning players fared:

Kyle Anderson’s reunion tour continues

Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert struggled with foul trouble in the first half. That led to Anderson playing eight early minutes.

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With Gobert staying on the floor in the second half, Minnesota leaned into its size advantage. Gobert’s presence alongside Julius Randle helped free up the forward, who scored 17 of his 23 points after halftime.

Anderson’s role was modest, but his versatility and familiarity with both organizations added an interesting wrinkle to the matchup.

Ty Jerome returns from two-game absence

Minnesota’s length and disciplined defense made life difficult for Jerome early. His usual pump fakes and crafty footwork failed to consistently create separation, forcing several tough looks in the first half.

Still, Jerome remained aggressive. He finished with 14 points and two assists on 4-for-13 shooting.

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Perhaps most importantly, this was the second consecutive appearance where he’s comfortably cleared the previous 20-minute restriction. He played 24 minutes against the Wolves.

Cedric Coward’s adjusted role

Coward returned but did not take his usual place in the starting lineup. Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Scotty Pippen Jr., GG Jackson and Olivier-Maxence Prosper started for Memphis.

Instead, Coward provided a spark off the bench.

He scored 15 points in 21 minutes and keyed a 12-1 run late in the fourth quarter that cut Minnesota’s lead to four with 20 seconds remaining. Coward poured in 10 of his 15 points in the final period, nearly helping Memphis complete the comeback.

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The Grizzlies will continue easing their prized rookie back into rhythm while monitoring his workload, but his late-game burst was an encouraging sign.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome back for Grizzlies and what about Kyle Anderson?