Spurs seize momentum with dominant display to take 2-1 lead over Timberwolves
The Spurs capitalised on a pivotal third quarter to secure a 115-108 win, setting up a home-and-away finale against Minnesota.
The San Antonio Spurs have moved to within one victory of the best-of-seven series against the Minnesota Timberwolves following a commanding 115-108 triumph on Friday night. This result marks the second consecutive win for San Antonio, allowing them to take a 2-1 lead in the second-round NBA playoff series after dropping the opening contest in Minnesota.
Victor Wembanyama was the architect of the Spurs' success, delivering a masterclass performance that included 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks. The centre went 13-of-18 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, while his defensive presence forced the Timberwolves into a difficult shooting contest. His ability to deter traffic in the paint was crucial as the Spurs won their second straight game despite never leading by double digits in the second half.
While the Spurs controlled the tempo, the Timberwolves mounted a resilient challenge anchored by Anthony Edwards. Edwards returned to the lineup just one week after suffering a deep bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Despite his return, Edwards and Julius Randle struggled against Wembanyama's defence, combining for only eight successful shots from 34 attempts from the floor.
The game featured a dramatic shift in momentum during the pivotal third quarter, where the Spurs shot 6-for-10 from three-point range. This offensive burst allowed them to overcome a woeful start for Minnesota, who missed their first 12 shots of the game. Although Jaden McDaniels drew Wembanyama's fifth foul with 6:18 remaining to cut the lead to one point, the Spurs never trailed in the second half.
Supporting Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox contributed 17 points for San Antonio, while Stephon Castle recorded 13 points and 12 assists with a team-high plus-17 rating. For Minnesota, Naz Reid added 18 points and nine rebounds to Edwards' efforts, but the Timberwolves could not sustain their defensive intensity against the Spurs' shooting.
The series will resume on Sunday with Game 4 hosted by the Timberwolves in Minnesota. The contest will then shift back to San Antonio for Game 5 on Tuesday, with the Spurs currently holding the advantage in the series.
