The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered an electrifying performance at Target Center on Sunday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 125-112 in front of their home crowd. Anthony Edwards led the charge with an impressive 32 points, shooting an outstanding 13-for-18 from the field. The victory marked Minnesota’s second consecutive win, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination despite playing back-to-back games. Edwards’ efficiency and scoring prowess set the tone for what would become a commanding fourth-quarter performance that left Spurs fans wondering what might have been.
Edwards And Randle Power Minnesota’s Offensive Attack
Julius Randle proved to be the perfect complement to Edwards’ scoring explosion, contributing 22 points while matching his season-high with 12 assists. His playmaking ability opened up opportunities for teammates throughout the contest, creating a balanced offensive attack that San Antonio struggled to contain. Donte DiVincenzo added 18 points to the winning effort, while Naz Reid provided a crucial spark off the bench with 15 points. The Timberwolves’ depth and versatility became increasingly apparent as the game progressed, with multiple players stepping up when it mattered most in the crucial final quarter.
Spurs Battle Without Star Center Wembanyama
San Antonio faced significant challenges playing without several key players, most notably star center Victor Wembanyama, who sat out due to a left calf strain. The absence of Wembanyama, along with Stephon Castle and Jordan McLaughlin, forced the Spurs to rely heavily on their remaining rotation. De’Aaron Fox stepped up admirably, leading San Antonio with 25 points on efficient 10-for-15 shooting. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each contributed 22 points in the losing effort, but their combined 44 points weren’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s fourth-quarter surge and the missing presence of their franchise cornerstone.
Fourth Quarter Surge Seals The Deal
The game’s decisive moment came in the final period, where Minnesota outscored San Antonio by a staggering 36-19 margin. After trailing 93-89 entering the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves erupted with energy that seemed to contradict their back-to-back schedule. Randle ignited the comeback with a step-back jumper, followed immediately by a Reid three-pointer that gave Minnesota their first lead of the quarter at 94-93. The momentum shift was palpable inside Target Center as the home crowd sensed victory was within reach. DiVincenzo proved instrumental during this stretch, knocking down critical shots when San Antonio threatened to close the gap.
Minnesota’s Depth Makes The Difference
The Timberwolves’ bench production became a crucial factor down the stretch, with reserves providing essential contributions when starters needed rest. Minnesota executed two separate 7-0 runs in the fourth quarter that effectively put the game out of reach for San Antonio. The first run, featuring a DiVincenzo three-pointer and layups from Jaden McDaniels and DiVincenzo again, pushed the lead to nine points. The second surge, which included a Mike Conley three-pointer, a McDaniels dunk, and another DiVincenzo layup, extended the advantage to 114-100. These decisive runs demonstrated Minnesota’s superior conditioning and depth, qualities that proved insurmountable for the injury-depleted Spurs roster.
Looking Ahead For Both Teams
The victory improves Minnesota’s standing as they continue building chemistry with their revamped roster. Edwards’ continued excellence combined with Randle’s playmaking gives Timberwolves fans plenty of reasons for optimism moving forward. For San Antonio, the focus shifts to getting healthy and welcoming back Wembanyama, whose presence would have likely made this a much different contest. Fox’s 25-point performance on impressive shooting shows promise, but the Spurs will need their full complement of players to compete consistently against Western Conference contenders. The road ahead requires patience as San Antonio’s young core develops alongside their generational talent in Wembanyama when he returns to action.
