The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a surprising upset against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs, winning 104-102 on May 5, 2026.
“It was obvious — literally from the jump, when skyscrapers Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama squared off at midcourt — that every bucket of the Western Conference semifinals series would be hard-earned,” said Jon Krawczynski.
Despite Anthony Edwards’ recent injury, he scored 18 points off the bench. His return gave the Timberwolves a much-needed boost.
Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves showcased strong team play with six players finishing in double figures.
The game featured 19 lead changes, highlighting its competitive nature. The largest lead was nine points, reflecting how tightly contested it was.
Victor Wembanyama stood out for San Antonio, recording 12 blocks. This performance marked the most blocks in a playoff game since the 1973-74 season.
The Spurs’ offense struggled at times. Jared Weiss noted, “This was the moment the experience factor came into play, as the Spurs looked like they could not find their half-court identity.”
The Timberwolves advanced to this round after defeating the Denver Nuggets in their previous matchup. Meanwhile, the Spurs had eliminated the Portland Trailblazers.
The Timberwolves will need to maintain their defensive intensity moving forward. They will face tougher challenges as they aim to continue their playoff run.
The next game is crucial for both teams as they adjust strategies based on this outcome.