Timberwolves vs – Anthony Edwards came back unexpectedly as Minnesota edged San Antonio 104-102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Anthony Edwards returned sooner than expected, and the Minnesota Timberwolves made it count, holding off the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Edwards scored 18 points in his comeback after dealing with a left knee injury that had left his availability in doubt. Minnesota also relied on its execution late, where a two-point game came down to the final minutes and the margin for error was thin.
Victor Wembanyama delivered a towering performance for San Antonio, finishing with 11 points and 15 rebounds while producing a postseason record 12 blocks.. Despite the defensive dominance. the Spurs couldn’t find enough offense to flip the result. and Minnesota protected the lead when the game tightened.
San Antonio trimmed the deficit to 104-102 with a sequence that set up a quick opportunity: a steal by Devin Vassell followed by a layup from Dylan Harper with just 31 seconds left.. After Minnesota missed. Julian Champagnie’s potential go-ahead 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short. sealing the narrow loss for San Antonio.
Randle led Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds, providing a steady scoring presence when the matchup became a grind. Harper scored 18 for the Spurs, while Champagnie and Stephon Castle each added 17.
In this context, Edwards’ return and Minnesota’s late-game poise matter as much for momentum as they do for the standings. A close opener can shape confidence quickly, especially when one star team is still adjusting to injuries.
Minnesota had also entered the game with other health concerns. with guards Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu out due to injuries.. Edwards’ unexpected availability. paired with Minnesota’s ability to withstand Wembanyama’s impact on defense. suggests the series could hinge on which team can manage its roster while sustaining pressure at both ends.
For the Timberwolves and Spurs, Game 1 is a reminder that postseason basketball often arrives with high stakes and unpredictable timing. When comebacks happen and defense decides possessions, even a two-point result can carry the weight of far more.