On May 4, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Anthony Edwards made a surprising return from injury, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a narrow victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The final score read 104-102, a testament to the intensity of this playoff matchup. Edwards contributed significantly with 18 points in just 25 minutes of play, showcasing his resilience after recovering from a knee injury. His impact was felt most acutely in the fourth quarter, where he scored 11 of those points, sealing the game for his team.
Julius Randle also stepped up for the Timberwolves, leading all scorers with 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This depth on their roster proved crucial, as six players finished with double figures in scoring. The Timberwolves entered this game as the sixth seed and managed to upset the second-seeded Spurs right out of the gate.
Conversely, the Spurs struggled offensively. De’Aaron Fox had a rough shooting night, which hindered their efforts. The absence of rookie Carter Bryant due to right foot soreness compounded their challenges. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive defensive performance with a record-setting 12 blocks—the most recorded in a playoff game since the 1973-74 season.
As tensions rose on the court, it became clear that this series would be anything but predictable. “It’s reality-check time for the Spurs,” one analyst noted, pointing out how they ran into what some described as a brick wall of Timberwolves’ defense.
Looking ahead, both teams face questions about their rosters and health moving deeper into this series. The Timberwolves will need to navigate injuries affecting Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu while maintaining their momentum. Meanwhile, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich must find ways to adjust without Bryant—an essential piece for their playoff run.
The stakes are high as they prepare for Game 2. With both teams showcasing flashes of brilliance and areas needing improvement, fans can expect an exhilarating continuation of this Western Conference semifinal showdown.