Edwards returns and Timberwolves
overcome big game by Wembanyama to beat Spurs 104-102 in Game 1
[May 05, 2026]
By RAUL DOMINGUEZ
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 18 points in his
unexpected return from injury and the Minnesota Timberwolves
overcame a huge game by Victor Wembanyama and held on to beat the
San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in the opener of the Western Conference
semifinals on Monday night.
Edwards was expected to miss at least the first two games of the
series after suffering a bone bruise and hyperextending his left
knee on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s opening-round series
against Denver. But he had 11 points in the fourth quarter as
Minnesota held on to hand San Antonio only its second loss in its
last 17 series openers at home.
“Nobody expected him to play,” Timberwolves veteran Mike Conley
said. “It was just his level of commitment to the game. Not just to
the game, but to his teammates. It showed a lot.”
Wembanyama had 11 points and 15 rebounds and set an NBA postseason
record with 12 blocks. He's the third player to get a triple-double
in the playoffs including blocks since the league began tracking
blocks in 1973-74.
San Antonio cut the deficit to 104-102 on a steal by Devin Vassell
and layup by Dylan Harper with 31 seconds remaining. Following a
miss by Minnesota's Julius Randle, Julian Champagnie couldn't
connect on a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
“We have to be better,” Wembanyama said. “It shows up on the stat
sheet. We need to figure out before 48 hours what we can do better
and I’ve got no doubt that we will. I trust us.”
Randle finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
Harper scored 18 points and Champagnie and Stephon Castle had 17
each for the Spurs.
Edwards worked diligently to return for Minnesota with guards Donte
DiVincenzo (torn right Achilles tendon) and Ayo Dosunmu (right calf
soreness) out with injuries.
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) handles the ball as
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) defends during the first
half in Game 1 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in
San Antonio, Monday, May 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“I know for a fact, just me being out there, it calms everybody
down," Edwards said. “Not saying there’s any pressure on any of my
teammates, but it takes pressure off of everybody just knowing that
I’m out there, I’m available to play, yeah. And just doing what I do
best, just trying to put the ball in the hoop.”
After draining a stepback 3-pointer early in the game, Edwards
looked toward the Spurs bench and screamed: “I’m back! I’m back!”
He definitely was.
Edwards did not start, entering the game with 6:53 remaining in the
first quarter and the Timberwolves trailing 11-8. He finished 8 for
13 in 25 minutes.
Game 2 is Wednesday in San Antonio.
Wembanyama had seven blocks in the first half. The NBA Defensive
Player of the Year opened the game by blocking a pair of driving
layups from Terrence Shannon Jr. on consecutive possessions. Two
minutes later, he blocked Gobert’s driving layup just under the rim.
Wembanyama finished 5 for 17 from the field.
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