Spurs seize control of Western Conference series with dominant victory over Timberwolves
Victor Wembanyama returns to the lineup to score 27 points and grab 17 rebounds as the Spurs outlast Minnesota 126-97, setting up a decisive Game 6 in Minneapolis on Friday.
The San Antonio Spurs have moved within one victory of the NBA Western Conference finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 on Tuesday. The win shifts the momentum of the best-of-seven series, giving San Antonio a 3-2 advantage and placing them on the brink of advancement. Game six is scheduled to take place in Minneapolis on Friday, where the Timberwolves will look to force a decisive seventh game.
Victor Wembanyama returned to the starting lineup after serving a suspension for his ejection in Game 4, where he was flagged for striking Minnesota’s Naz Reid in the throat. The French centre capitalised on his reprieve with a dominant two-way performance, finishing with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Wembanyama set an early tone for the Spurs, scoring 16 points in the opening quarter to help San Antonio build a 24-9 lead.
While Wembanyama’s individual output was significant, the Spurs’ victory was underpinned by a balanced offensive attack. Six players scored in double figures for San Antonio, including Keldon Johnson, who contributed 21 points, De'Aaron Fox with 18 points, and Stephon Castle with 17 points. This collective effort allowed the Spurs to maintain control even when Minnesota attempted to mount a comeback.
The Timberwolves showed resilience in the third quarter, erasing a 59-47 halftime deficit with a 14-2 run to tie the game at 61-61. However, San Antonio responded with a decisive stretch that ended the quarter with a 91-73 lead. The Spurs sealed the victory in the fourth quarter, outscoring Minnesota 35-24 to secure the 126-97 result. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 20 points, while Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle each added 17 points.
The victory marks a critical turning point for San Antonio, who had trailed the series 2-3 prior to Tuesday’s game. The team had won the first two games in San Antonio before losing the next three in Minneapolis. Wembanyama acknowledged the importance of the win while emphasising that the series was not yet concluded. "We did what we were supposed to do at home," Wembanyama told NBC. "We had to set the tone, we knew it was going to be a physical game. We won, so that's the point. But the job's not finished. We've got one more game to get to the conference finals."
