Wembanyama, Spurs take out frustration on Timberwolves to even semifinal series at one apiece
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Whether it's chess, a drawing contest or table tennis, San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama hates to lose. A loss in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Minnesota Timberwolves only magnified that loathing. Wembanyama responded by setting a suffocating tone as San Antonio handed Minnesota its largest postseason loss in franchise history, beating the Timberwolves 133-95 on Wednesday night to even their series at one game apiece.
Despite posting 11 points, 15 rebounds and setting an NBA postseason record with 12 blocks, Wembanyama shouldered much of the blame for the Spurs' 104-102 loss to the Timberwolves on Monday in Game 1. The 7-foot-4 All-Star knew he needed to do more, especially offensively. Was there some anger and frustration and a desire to get back on the court for Game 2?
Absolutely. “There always is,” Wembanyama said. “In the playoffs, magnify that.
” What resulted was what Minnesota coach Chris Finch said was a punking before a raucous sellout crowd. The Timberwolves were held to 35 points in the first half while shooting 7 for 24 from the field and 2 for 15 on 3-pointers. Minnesota closed the game shooting 40% from the field, 30% on 3-pointers while committing 22 turnovers.
San Antonio had a 58-36 scoring advantage in the paint, a 55-43 rebounding advantage and had nine blocked shots compared to two for Minnesota. “We got beat in every way possible, it’s as simple as that,” Timberwolves forward Julius Randle said. “There’s not really much to say from this game.