The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 104-102, in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-finals series on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Philippine time), in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoffs.
Randle Leads the Way
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 21 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 18 points in his return from injury. Edwards, who suffered a bone bruise in his left knee during Game 4 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets on April 26, was initially not expected to play in this game. However, due to his rapid recovery, Edwards returned to action, and his presence visibly boosted his teammates as they took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. each added 16 points, while Naz Reid and Mike Conley chipped in 12 points apiece for the Timberwolves.
Edwards' Impact Off the Bench
Edwards, who played as a reserve because he was still recovering from the injury, struggled to find his rhythm in the first three quarters. But then his offense suddenly heated up, and he contributed 11 of the Timberwolves' first 19 points in the fourth quarter.
After a tight contest from the start, the Timberwolves managed to breathe easier when they built a 95-86 lead with 4:42 remaining. The Spurs managed to fight back but failed to complete the comeback.
Spurs' Stars Struggle
In this game, the Spurs' two key players, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, did not perform well, combining for only 21 points — 11 from Wembanyama and 10 from Fox.
In another game, the host New York Knicks routed the Philadelphia 76ers, 137-98, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals series. Jalen Brunson exploded for a game-high 35 points to lead the Knicks.
