As the Minnesota Timberwolves strive to perfect their game plan around Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, they face an opportunity to showcase their dynamic duo in a home matchup against the improving San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in Minneapolis.
The Timberwolves have experienced an up-and-down season but are buoyed by a thrilling 113-112 road victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday. Edwards sealed the win with a clutch 3-pointer with 23.2 seconds remaining, capping a 23-6 closing run and securing Minnesota’s second consecutive win after a three-game losing streak.
Randle led the way for the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Edwards added 24 points, including 13 in the first quarter. Donte DiVincenzo contributed significantly off the bench with 22 points. This marked the first time Minnesota scored 110 or more points in regulation since their 120-117 home win against Phoenix on November 17, a span of 16 games. The victory also represented the Timberwolves’ largest fourth-quarter road comeback since 2003.
Meanwhile, the Spurs come into this game on the back of a 96-87 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 19 points, 11 of which came in the pivotal third quarter. Julian Champagnie added 18 points, and Jeremy Sochan chipped in with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
San Antonio overcame a sluggish start, scoring only 11 points in the first quarter, their lowest output in a quarter this season. The Spurs responded with a 16-2 run to open the second period, tied the game at 41-41 by halftime, and then took control in the second half. This win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Spurs, while the 87 points they allowed were the fewest by a Spurs opponent this season.
Wembanyama was checked for a concussion after taking a blow to the chin from the Nets’ Jalen Wilson while battling for a rebound in the third quarter.
San Antonio’s acting coach, Mitch Johnson, has utilized a “small-ball,” nine-man rotation in recent games, providing the Spurs with a quicker lineup in critical moments.
