NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Victor Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.
In the San Antonio Spurs’ 104-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night at Frost Bank Center, Wembanyama recorded 12 blocks, setting an NBA postseason record. He had 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks, becoming just the third player to record a triple-double in the playoffs including blocks since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.
While Wembanyama shined defensively, he struggled offensively, making just 5 of 17 field goals.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama points during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in San Antonio, Texas, on May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
“We have to be better,” Wembanyama said. “This shows up on the stat sheet. We need to figure out within 48 hours what we can do better, and I have no doubt we will. I trust us.”
The Timberwolves got an unexpected boost in the victory, as star guard Anthony Edwards returned from injury earlier than expected. Edwards suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended his left knee during Game 4 of the Timberwolves’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
The 24-year-old was expected to miss the first two games of the Timberwolves’ series against the Spurs, but returned early.
ZERO BS. ONLY DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reaches for the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle defends during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas, on May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
He scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as Minnesota held on to hand San Antonio just its second loss in its last 17 home series openers. Edwards said he knows his presence helps calm his teammates.
“I know for a fact, the fact that I’m out there calms everyone down,” Edwards said. “I’m not saying there’s pressure on any of my teammates, but it takes pressure off of everyone just knowing that I’m out there, that I’m available to play, yeah. And just doing what I do best, just trying to put the ball in the hoop.”
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley said no one expected Edwards to return so soon.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper defends during the first half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas, on May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
“Nobody expected him to play,” Timberwolves veteran Mike Conley said. “It was just his level of commitment to the game. Not just to the game, but to his teammates. It showed a lot.”
Edwards’ return helped propel the Timberwolves past the Spurs despite Wembanyama’s superb defensive effort.
The Spurs will look to bounce back in Game 2 when they play the Timberwolves on Wednesday at 9:30 pm ET.
