Defense will be the main focus when the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to San Antonio to battle Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Saturday.
This game marks the second of a home-road back-to-back for the Timberwolves, who flew to San Antonio overnight after a 119-116 home victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Minnesota scored the game’s final 10 points to rally from a squandered double-digit lead.
The win gave Minnesota a successful homestand and their second victory in the past three contests. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, bolstered by Rudy Gobert’s clutch free throws with 10 seconds remaining. Julius Randle added 23 points, while Gobert recorded 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Naz Reid contributed 16 points.
The Timberwolves, adjusting to life with Randle and Edwards sharing top billing, have experienced an up-and-down start to their first five games. Transition defense has been a challenge, particularly when opponents’ big men leak out for layups while Timberwolves’ guards finish close to the basket. Last season, Karl-Anthony Towns typically positioned near the top of the key to mitigate such issues.
Edwards is leading the league in three-point attempts, making 29 of 67 through Minnesota’s first five games. He went 7-for-14 from beyond the arc on Friday. The Spurs return home following a dominant 106-88 win at Utah on Thursday. Wembanyama showcased his all-around skills with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and five steals.
It was the second time in Wembanyama’s young career that he’s achieved at least five in each category in a game, joining Hakeem Olajuwon (six times) and Andrei Kirilenko (three) as the only players to reach this statistical milestone more than once.
Chris Paul added 19 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds for San Antonio. Keldon Johnson scored 13 points, Jeremy Sochan added 11, and Sandro Mamukelashvili chipped in 10. The Spurs trailed by six points at halftime but outscored the Jazz 30-14 in the third quarter and coasted to victory.
Saturday’s game is the first of three meetings between the teams this season and the only one in San Antonio.
