The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs on May 4, 2026. Anthony Edwards made a surprising return from a knee injury and played a crucial role in the victory.
Edwards scored 18 points in just 25 minutes. He contributed significantly in the fourth quarter, netting 11 of his points during that critical stretch. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Spurs struggled offensively throughout the game. De’Aaron Fox had a rough shooting night, impacting their overall performance. Despite this, Victor Wembanyama made headlines with an impressive 12 blocks, marking the highest number of blocks in a playoff game since the 1973-74 season.
The Timberwolves showcased depth as six players finished with double figures in scoring. This victory is significant as it marks an upset; Minnesota entered as the sixth seed while San Antonio was ranked second.
The game took place at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Notably, rookie Carter Bryant was absent for the Spurs due to right foot soreness. The Timberwolves also faced challenges, missing Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu due to injuries.
Edwards expressed confidence following the game, stating, “I feel great. I don’t think I’m limited at all. It’s whatever coach needs from me.” Meanwhile, Wembanyama acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We’re excited. We’re locked in. We know it’s going to be harder than our first series.”
This game is part of the Western Conference semifinals. The next matchup will test both teams further as they adjust their strategies moving forward.