In a thrilling start to the NBA playoffs, Anthony Edwards made a surprising return from injury to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a narrow victory over the San Antonio Spurs, winning 104-102 on May 4, 2026. This game marked the beginning of their Western Conference semifinals matchup, with both teams eager to advance further.
Edwards, who had recently recovered from a knee injury, played an impressive 25 minutes, scoring 18 points. He notably stepped up in the fourth quarter, contributing 11 of those points when it mattered most. His performance was crucial for a Timberwolves roster that faced multiple injuries throughout the season.
Key game statistics:
- The Timberwolves scored a total of 104 points against the Spurs’ 102.
- Julius Randle led all scorers with 21 points and added 10 rebounds.
- Six players from the Timberwolves finished in double figures for scoring.
- Victor Wembanyama recorded an impressive 12 blocks, marking one of the highest block totals in playoff history.
The Spurs struggled offensively, particularly with De’Aaron Fox having an off night shooting. They also missed rookie Carter Bryant due to right foot soreness, which may have impacted their performance. The absence of key players can change dynamics significantly—much like how injuries can derail a promising season.
That context matters because it highlights how both teams are navigating challenges as they vie for playoff success. The Timberwolves entered as the sixth seed, while the Spurs held the second seed, making this upset even more notable.
Looking ahead, fans are left wondering how each team will adjust for Game 2. Will Edwards’ knee hold up under pressure? And how will Wembanyama’s defensive prowess affect future matchups? These questions linger as both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense series.