Timberwolves players – Misryoum breaks down why Minnesota’s Edwards was brilliant but Timberwolves’ key issues derailed them in Game 3 vs San Antonio.
The Timberwolves’ best chance to seize control slipped away fast in Game 3, and Misryoum has pinpointed three players whose struggles helped the Spurs take command.
Minnesota entered Target Center after splitting the first two games with San Antonio. but the keyphrase here is “Timberwolves players blame. ” because the margin for error vanished almost immediately.. Anthony Edwards carried the scoring weight with a standout performance. yet Victor Wembanyama’s dominance left the Wolves without a reliable answer.. After an ugly early spell that saw Minnesota miss their first shots and fall behind 18-3. they regrouped defensively and fought back to a 51-51 tie at halftime.
The Spurs then found another level from deep in the third quarter. converting 6 of 10 from three-point range as Minnesota’s defense lost its edge.. Even so. the Wolves stayed within reach. trailing by just one with six minutes left. before the closing moments turned into Wembanyama’s showcase.. He finished with 39 points and 15 rebounds. and after a foul trouble scare in the fourth. he still delivered when it mattered most. including a late three-pointer that effectively sealed the game.
Edwards’ 32-point, 14-rebound night on a knee injury showed star power, but the postseason demands more than one reliable offensive engine. The Wolves’ 38% shooting from the field became the difference, especially when complementary scoring failed to arrive in time.
Jaden McDaniels was among the most concerning performances for Minnesota.. He logged 40 minutes but shot 5-for-22. and that inefficiency was especially tough given how often the Spurs left him clean looks in the collapse around Edwards.. Instead of attacking decisively. McDaniels appeared hesitant offensively. settling for pull-ups and contested attempts that only shrank Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.. His impact was felt in the way Minnesota’s half-court offense stalled. making it harder for Edwards and Julius Randle to find space.
Insight: In the postseason, one cold night from a “secondary” option doesn’t just reduce scoring, it changes defensive matchups, which then pressures the entire rotation.
Randle’s struggles added another layer to Minnesota’s problems.. Through three games in the series. Misryoum notes that his role as a physical. playoff-ready complement to Edwards hasn’t consistently translated into production.. In Game 3. he managed only 12 points on 3-for-12 shooting. with zero assists and two turnovers. and he repeatedly settled for tough jumpers rather than establishing a stronger presence near the rim.. Defensively, he also looked a half-step late at times, helping the Spurs generate perimeter looks.
Finally, Minnesota’s offense lost its structure when Mike Conley barely played.. He started the game but appeared in only four minutes and finished without points. rebounds. or assists before effectively leaving the rotation.. Without his organizing presence. the Wolves looked rushed and disjointed. leaning more on forced isolation possessions that played into San Antonio’s defensive plan.
Insight: Conley’s absence mattered beyond stat lines; leadership and game tempo can be the difference between a controlled offense and a scramble, especially late in tight playoff games.
With the series still within reach, Minnesota now faces a clear task: reduce wasted possessions, regain offensive composure from role players, and ensure the lineup adjustments support Edwards rather than isolate him further against elite defense.