The Spurs restore order against Minnesota with a monumental blowout (133-95)
San Antonio evens the series with a defensive showcase.
Led by Victor Wembanyama (22 points, 15 rebounds), the San Antonio Spurs crushed the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 on Wednesday night to tie the Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
Wembanyama, the French prodigy, broke free from the tight defense of his compatriot Rudy Gobert this time, adding two blocks—two days after setting a playoff record with 12 blocks. Anchored by the 7-foot-4 giant, the Spurs stifled Minnesota’s offense, holding them to just 34 points at halftime and forcing 22 turnovers.
The Texas team, second seed in the West, regained their shooting touch and matched the Timberwolves’ defensive intensity, who had upset Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets in the first round. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, Spurs legends, watched from the stands, delighted by the display of strength from a team that, with the young Frenchman already dominating, is eager to contend for the championship now.
The home team struggled early from beyond the arc, missing their first six three-point attempts. Point guard De’Aaron Fox broke the drought with a triple near the end of the first quarter. In the second period, Wembanyama hit his first three-pointer of the series after missing all eight attempts on Monday.
Rookie Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ top scorer in these playoffs, added 21 points in a balanced attack, with fellow rookie Dylan Harper contributing 11 points. The Timberwolves’ leaders showed no ability to respond, falling behind by as many as 47 points. Anthony Edwards, recovering from a knee hyperextension, came off the bench again for 12 points in 24 minutes, while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels each scored 12.
**Key Mentions:** American sports, Basketball, NBA, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves