Spurs rebound with dominant display to inflict franchise-record loss on Timberwolves
Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle led the charge as the Spurs shot their best in the series, leaving Minnesota with a 1-1 record heading to Minneapolis.
The San Antonio Spurs have evened their Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing a decisive 133-95 victory on Wednesday night. The result stands as the Timberwolves' largest postseason loss in franchise history, surpassing the previous record margin of 30 points set against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003.
Victor Wembanyama was the primary catalyst for the Spurs' resurgence, recording 19 points and 15 rebounds. He was supported by a strong offensive showing from Stephon Castle, who added 21 points, and De'Aaron Fox, who contributed 16. The team's collective efficiency was markedly superior to the series opener, with San Antonio shooting 50 per cent from the field and 41 per cent from three-point range.
In contrast to the Spurs' aggressive start, the Timberwolves struggled to contain the pace, particularly in the first half. Minnesota was held to just 35 points before the break, shooting 29.8 per cent from the field and converting only two of 15 attempts from beyond the arc. The deficit was compounded by a significant run late in the second quarter, where back-to-back slams by Dylan Harper and Castle extended the Spurs' lead to 59-34.
The game featured a notable strategic shift as both teams substituted their starting lineups with 10 minutes remaining, at which stage the Spurs held a commanding 104-66 advantage. This tactical adjustment underscored the disparity in momentum, as the Spurs had not lost consecutive games since mid-January, a streak broken only by defeats to Minnesota and Oklahoma City at that time.
Anthony Edwards, who scored 12 points for Minnesota, returned to the lineup off the bench in his second game back from a hyperextended left knee. The Timberwolves continued their strategy of restricting his minutes, while other contributors including Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Terrence Shannon Jr. each managed 12 points.
The victory sets the stage for the next two fixtures of the Western Conference semifinal series. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Friday and Sunday, both to be played in Minneapolis. The Spurs aim to capitalise on their best offensive performance since a series-clinching 145-105 victory over Denver in May 1983.
