The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a 1-0 lead in their playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, securing a narrow victory in a game marked by Anthony Edwards' return from injury. Edwards, who had been questionable leading up to the contest, played under a minutes restriction, a decision announced by coach Chris Finch shortly before tip-off. This strategic move allowed the Timberwolves to integrate their star player back into the lineup without overexerting him following a nine-day layoff after sustaining an injury in the first round against the Denver Nuggets.
The series opener, played on May 5, 2026, saw the Timberwolves emerge victorious, though specific final scores and detailed game narratives are fragmented across various reports. One report indicates an early score of 19-22 in favor of the Spurs during the first quarter, suggesting a closely contested start. The inclusion of Edwards, even in a limited capacity, provided a significant boost, influencing plays such as an assist for a Julius Randle three-pointer and a two-point shot for himself. The Spurs, meanwhile, were projected to have a higher win probability according to ESPN Analytics, with percentages fluctuating throughout the available data.
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Key Moments and Player Performances
While comprehensive play-by-play data is uneven, several instances highlight the back-and-forth nature of the game. Plays involving Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards, Bones Hyland, Naz Reid, and De'Aaron Fox for the Timberwolves, and Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson for the Spurs, are scattered throughout the provided summaries. One notable sequence includes Anthony Edwards making a 24-foot three-point step-back jumper assisted by Mike Conley, and Victor Wembanyama making a 20-foot jumper assisted by De'Aaron Fox. The game also saw numerous fouls, rebounds, and scoring plays from both sides, with player substitutions frequently occurring as coaches managed their rosters.
Series Context and Pre-Game Dynamics
The Timberwolves are advancing in the Western Conference Semifinals, facing off against the San Antonio Spurs. The initial reports reference Game 1, indicating this is the start of their playoff clash. Pre-game information noted Anthony Edwards' status as questionable due to an injury sustained nine days prior during Game 4 of Minnesota's first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Coach Chris Finch confirmed his availability on a minutes restriction just before the game commenced. The Spurs, a storied franchise with a history dating back to the ABA, are based in San Antonio and play their home games at the AT&T Center.
