Timberwolves edge Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 to take 1-0 series lead behind Randle’s 21 points and Edwards’ return with 18 points off the bench [VIDEO]

Victor Wembanyama recorded a playoff-record 12 blocks in a triple-double, but Minnesota overcame his defensive presence with balanced scoring.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 4, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves took a 1-0 series lead against the second-seeded Spurs, who finished the regular season with a 62-20 record. The game featured 19 lead changes and 17 ties, with neither team establishing a substantial lead until the final minutes.

Victor Wembanyama recorded a historic triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, along with a playoff-record 12 blocks in 39 minutes. He surpassed the previous single-game playoff record of 10 blocks shared by Mark Eaton, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Andrew Bynum. Wembanyama had 7 blocks by halftime and reached 10 by the end of the third quarter. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards returned from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise to score 18 points off the bench in 25 minutes.

Wemby’s Record 12 Blocks Not Enough for Spurs Victory

Wembanyama’s defensive performance was singular in NBA playoff history. He altered or blocked shots on nearly every Timberwolves drive in the first half, accumulating 7 blocks before intermission. His presence forced Minnesota to adjust its shot selection, incorporating more arc and alternative finishing angles around the rim. The Spurs recorded 14 blocks as a team, with Wembanyama accounting for 12 of them.

Despite his dominance on defense, Wembanyama struggled offensively. He shot 5-of-17 from the field (29.4 percent) and missed all 8 of his three-point attempts. He added 2 offensive rebounds and 13 defensive boards to complete the triple-double. His 12 blocks set a new standard for postseason rim protection, but the Spurs could not contain Minnesota’s balanced scoring attack.

The Spurs held a 72-69 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves responded by outscoring San Antonio 35-30 in the final period. Minnesota improved its spacing and off-ball movement, which helped mitigate Wembanyama’s impact in the paint during the decisive quarter.

Randle and Edwards Lead Timberwolves’ Balanced Attack

Julius Randle played 41 minutes and recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. He shot 8-of-20 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range. He also committed 5 turnovers and fouled out with 5 personal fouls. Despite the foul trouble, Randle was the Timberwolves’ primary scoring option throughout the game.

Anthony Edwards returned ahead of schedule from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise sustained in the first round against Denver. He played 25 minutes off the bench and scored 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. He added 3 rebounds and 3 assists. His efficiency in the fourth quarter helped Minnesota overcome a three-point deficit.

The Timberwolves placed six players in double figures. Jaden McDaniels scored 16 points. Terrence Shannon Jr. added 16 points and 5 rebounds. Mike Conley had 12 points and 6 assists, making 4-of-7 from three. Naz Reid contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Rudy Gobert posted 7 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.

Final Sequence Sees Missed Three-Pointer at the Buzzer

The Timberwolves held a 104-100 lead with 34.4 seconds remaining. Anthony Edwards attempted an inbounds pass that was stolen by Devin Vassell. Vassell advanced the ball, and Dylan Harper converted a layup to cut the lead to 104-102 with 30.9 seconds left. The Spurs opted not to foul.

Julius Randle missed a 17-foot jumper with eight seconds remaining. Julian Champagnie secured the rebound and attempted a three-pointer as time expired. The shot missed, and the Timberwolves held on for the two-point victory. Neither team called a timeout during the final sequence.

The Spurs had opportunities to tie or win the game in the closing seconds. Champagnie finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Dylan Harper led San Antonio with 18 points off the bench. Stephon Castle added 17 points and 5 assists before fouling out. Devin Vassell contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

Defensive Battle Defined by Blocks, Turnovers, and Fouls

The game was defined by defensive intensity on both ends. The Spurs recorded 14 blocks, led by Wembanyama’s 12. The Timberwolves countered with 5 blocks and forced 13 turnovers. San Antonio scored 58 points in the paint and 27 fast-break points but was limited by 13 turnovers and inefficient three-point shooting (10-of-36, 27.8 percent).

Physical play resulted in multiple players accumulating fouls. Randle and Jaden McDaniels each finished with 5 personal fouls. Stephon Castle fouled out with 6. The Timberwolves shot 45.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. The Spurs shot 44.8 percent from the field but struggled from deep.

Rudy Gobert contributed 4 steals and helped mitigate Wembanyama’s rim protection on the defensive end. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and players referenced potential uncalled goaltending on several of Wembanyama’s blocks in post-game comments. No official review or protest was announced.

Game 2 Looms as Spurs Seek to Even Series

The Timberwolves lead the series 1-0 heading into Game 2. The game is scheduled for May 6, 2026, also at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Spurs will need to adjust their offensive approach to generate more efficient scoring against Minnesota’s defense.

Victor Wembanyama’s offensive struggles (0-of-8 from three) are unlikely to continue. The Spurs will likely seek to get him more involved in the paint and from mid-range. Anthony Edwards is expected to see increased minutes as his knee responds to game action.

The series shifts to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4. The Timberwolves have stolen home-court advantage with their Game 1 victory. The Spurs must win Game 2 to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole before traveling to Minneapolis. The margin for error is now slim for the second-seeded Spurs.

Conclusion

The best defender on the planet blocked 12 shots and lost anyway. That is the math of playoff basketball. One player can dominate a game and still walk off the floor down 0-1. Victor Wembanyama set a record that may never be broken. Then, he watched the final three-pointer miss from the paint. He could not grab the rebound. Wemby could not block a shot that never came.

The Timberwolves left San Antonio with a win and a blueprint. They survived the rim protection, found balance, and trusted their depth. Game 2 is not about revenge for the Spurs. It is about survival. Fall behind 2-0 on at home, and the series is statistically over before it reaches Minnesota. The record will be replayed. The loss will be remembered.

The Timberwolves are not satisfied. The Spurs are not broken.

The series is just beginning.

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