The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the NBA world and beat the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 on the road. This win, along with the return of Anthony Edwards, gives Minnesota a real shot in this series. Here’s how they pulled it off.
Incredibly, Edwards was able to play an NBA game after injuring his knee just 10 days ago. Not only did he play, but he was effective. In 25 minutes of playing time, he had 18 points on 8/13 shooting overall and was 2/3 from distance. He had 11 of 18 points in the fourth quarter.
The footwork, bounce, and jumpshot were all there. Edwards may not be 100%, but his presence alone galvanizes the team. The comeback is more impressive considering how it looked when the injury took place.
In the play against the Denver Nuggets in which Edwards got hurt, it looked like a more severe injury. Many speculated that it was a potential ACL tear, and it wasn’t unreasonable given how his knee looked on the play. Fortunately, it was just a hyperextension of the left knee that would sideline him for a week.
For Edwards, though, even that felt like too much time as he missed just nine games. Not only was it a cool moment, but his play was key in the Timberwolves 1-0 lead.
Any time a game ends 104-102 in the modern NBA, defense has to be on point. That was certainly the case in the Wolves-Spurs matchup. The first half, especially, was a slugfest as it was knotted at 45-45.
A notable statistic was that Victor Wembanyama ended the night with 12 blocks. That was the most in one game in NBA Playoff History by a player. His ability to erase the entire paint is something the NBA has never seen.
On the flip side, Rudy Gobert, once again, continues to paint his masterpiece in these playoffs. He was an integral part of keeping Wemby in check offensively. The Alien finished with just 11 points on 5/17 shooting overall and 0/8 from three-point range. Gobert can state his case for being the best defensive player in the league if the Timberwolves knock off San Antonio.
Both teams stifled each other’s offenses, shooting under 46% from the field. The Spurs need to figure out who their go-to player is when the offense is stuck in the mud. For Minnesota, they know who they’re going to down the stretch. It is going to be Edwards and Julius Randle with a little bit of Jaden McDaniels.
This series will come down to how well San Antonio can adjust when the ball movement is lacking.
This was a massive win for the Wolves. Now, all the pressure is pointed towards the Spurs to win game two. With how physical and competitive Game One was, a question looms over San Antonio.
On Monday Night, Wembanyama played 40 minutes. In the regular season, he averaged 29.2 points per game. In his four games against the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 34 minutes per game.
Against a strong Minnesota team, it feels like Wemby might have to average minutes in the high 30s. Is he ready for that? Could that be the reason why he struggled in Game One?
There is no coincidence that the 7’5 phenom shot eight threes and missed all of them. The aggression seemed to come and go, and that may be a factor as this series progresses. With the Timberwolves winning the first game, this is almost assuredly going to be a competitive series.
What will that mean for Wemby in, not only this series, but the next one if the Spurs were to advance? It is certainly something to think about.
With Edwards returning and looking solid, the whole identity of the series shifts. The Timberwolves are no longer the underdogs with a puncher’s chance against a far superior team.
Now it becomes a heavyweight fight between two teams that are young and athletic. This isn’t a typical two vs six matchup. Minnesota has been a conference finalist in the two years prior, while San Antonio is getting their first taste of success at this level as a core.
Experience isn’t everything, but it could’ve made the difference in Game One.
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