The Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves) silenced the roar of the San Antonio Spurs on Monday with a 102-104 victory in the first matchup of the Western Conference semifinals, a tight game that was defined by the minimum and featured a record 12 blocks by Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
In a frenetic closing game, the Spurs nearly snatched glory from Minnesota after a lightning comeback with just 30 seconds left and a four-point deficit.
Wolves hold on at the close
After a key steal that put them just one basket behind, the home team had a three-pointer in their hands to win the game.
However, the ball did not go in and the Wolves managed to resist the siege, sealing a hard-fought but vital victory against the constant threat of the Spurs.
The game, played on Monday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, already hinted at the equality between the two teams from the first quarter.
With the Timberwolves led by the return of Anthony Edwards, who showed positive signs of recovery from his recent injury.
First half marked by intensity and balance
The American star led the team’s offense with 18 points (8 of 13 shooting).
Although teammate Julius Randle stole the spotlight as he was crowned the game’s leading scorer with 21 points (8-of-20 shooting).
The Wolves were able to close the opening period with a slim 23-24 lead over the Spurs.
Having opted for a fluid game that allowed them to maintain better shooting percentages from the field during the first half.
The tone did not change much before the locker room:
Both teams exchanged baskets and defensive adjustments that resulted in a 45-45 tie at halftime.
Give and take until wear and tear
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The script of the game began to tilt in favor of San Antonio.
They raised their shooting dramatically with 57.9% shooting from the field in the third period compared to a modest 35.7% for the Wolves.
Despite this notorious statistical difference in effectiveness, the Spurs, who were able to take advantage of the home court advantage and stay afloat, closed the third quarter with a tight 72-69.
Part of the slight advantage that positioned them, at times, above their opponents was due in part to the spectacular performance of the French center, who is already part of the NBA history books.
Wolves take the first blow in the series
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A frantic finish to the game
QuéOnnda.com
Until then, Wembanyama (11 points, 5 of 17 shooting) had a record 10 blocked shots.
It set a new precedent for a playoff game, a number that would rise to 12 by the end of the game.
But in the final stretch, things turned back in the Wolves’ favor as they managed to take the lead in the first round of the Western Conference semifinals.
This advantage forces the Spurs to make urgent adjustments ahead of Wednesday’s next game, again on Texan soil.
With information from EFE
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