Timberwolves stun Spurs in Game 1 of NBA semifinals

Minnesota Timberwolves defeat San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of Western Conference semifinals

The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, returned from injury to score 18 points as they outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Edwards had sustained a bone bruise in his left knee on April 25 and was expected to be out for multiple weeks.

Edwards came off the bench, scoring 11 of the Timberwolves’ first 19 points of the fourth quarter before Minnesota reeled off a 7-0 run capped by a three-pointer by Mike Conley with 4:42 left to build a 95-86 advantage. The Spurs trimmed the margin to four with Victor Wembanyama’s dunk and Dylan Harper’s steal and layup.

The game was closely contested, with both teams making significant contributions from their players. Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr added 16 points each for Minnesota, while Naz Reid had 12 points. The Spurs were led by Harper, who scored 18 points, and Stephon Castle, who scored 17.

The Timberwolves’ victory marked a return to form for the team after Edwards’ injury. Coach Chris Finch praised Edwards’ performance, saying he “did a really good job of not pushing and forcing things.” The Spurs coach Mitch Johnson also commended Harper’s play, saying he had a “great shot” that was just shy of going in.

The series now shifts to Game 2 on Wednesday in San Antonio. The Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum, while the Spurs will aim to bounce back from the loss.

In other news, the New York Knicks routed the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series. Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 35 points for the Knicks, who became just the second team in NBA history to end one series and begin another with consecutive victories by at least 30 points.

Source: Al Jazeera