Edwards returns and Timberwolves overcome big game by Wembanyama to beat Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
San Antonio — Anthony Edwards made a stunning return from injury to score 18 points, propelling the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals opener. The Timberwolves withstood a dominant performance from Victor Wembanyama, who set a playoff record with 12 blocks. Edwards’ fourth-quarter surge proved decisive as Minnesota secured the road win despite the Spurs’ late rally.
Edwards’ Unexpected Impact from the Bench
Edwards had been projected to sit out the series’ first two games after sustaining a bone bruise and hyperextending his left knee in late April against Denver. Yet he checked in with 6:53 left in the first quarter, trailing 11-8, and immediately energized his team. Shooting 8 for 13 in 25 minutes, he drained a stepback 3-pointer early and shouted toward the Spurs’ bench, signaling his presence.
His 11 points in the fourth quarter helped Minnesota maintain control. “I know for a fact, just me being out there, it calms everybody down,” Edwards said afterward. The performance highlighted his dedication amid absences of teammates Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu due to their own injuries.
Wembanyama’s Block Record Falls Short
Victor Wembanyama anchored San Antonio’s defense, swatting away 12 shots to establish a new NBA postseason mark. He became just the third player since 1973-74 to post a triple-double including blocks, pairing those rejections with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Seven of his blocks came before halftime, including early stops on Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rudy Gobert.
Despite the stat line, Wembanyama shot 5 for 17 from the field. The Spurs leaned on his rim protection, but it couldn’t offset Minnesota’s resilience. “We have to be better,” Wembanyama acknowledged. “It shows up on the stat sheet. We need to figure out before 48 hours what we can do better.”
Clutch Plays Seal the Timberwolves’ Victory
Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds, providing steady production throughout. The game tightened in the final minute when Devin Vassell stole the ball for Dylan Harper’s layup, trimming the lead to 104-102 with 31 seconds left. Minnesota’s Randle missed a free throw, but Julian Champagnie missed a desperation 3 at the buzzer.
Mike Conley praised Edwards’ commitment. “Nobody expected him to play. It was just his level of commitment to the game. Not just to the game, but to his teammates.” The win marked only San Antonio’s second loss in 17 home playoff openers.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 18 | – | – |
| Julius Randle | Timberwolves | 21 | 10 | – |
| Victor Wembanyama | Spurs | 11 | 15 | 12 |
| Dylan Harper | Spurs | 18 | – | – |
Injury Absences Test Both Sides
Minnesota navigated multiple hurdles without DiVincenzo, sidelined by a torn Achilles, and Dosunmu, hampered by calf soreness. Edwards’ rapid recovery allowed the Timberwolves to field a more complete lineup. His availability eased pressure on the roster, as he put it, enabling everyone to focus on their roles.
San Antonio relied heavily on younger contributors like Harper (18 points), Champagnie (17), and Stephon Castle (17). The close loss exposed areas for adjustment ahead of a quick turnaround.
What Lies Ahead in the Series
Game 2 shifts to San Antonio on Wednesday, where the Spurs will seek a split. Minnesota’s depth and Edwards’ grit position them strongly, but Wembanyama’s defensive prowess demands respect. Both teams showed playoff mettle in a contest defined by resilience and high stakes. The series opener set a tone of intensity that promises more battles ahead.AP NBA
