05/04/26 11:41:00
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05/04 23:39 CDT Edwards returns and Timberwolves overcome big game by
Wembanyama to beat Spurs 104-102 in Game 1
Edwards returns and Timberwolves overcome big game by Wembanyama to beat Spurs
104-102 in Game 1
By RAUL DOMINGUEZ
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO (AP) --- Anthony Edwards scored 18 points in his unexpected return
from injury and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a huge game by Victor
Wembanyama and held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in the opener of
the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night.
Wembanyama had 11 points and 15 rebounds and set an NBA postseason record with
12 blocks. He's the third player to get a triple-double in the playoffs
including blocks since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.
San Antonio cut the deficit to 104-102 on a steal by Devin Vassell and layup by
Dylan Harper with 31 seconds remaining. Following a miss by Minnesota's Julius
Randle, Julian Champagnie couldn't connect on a 3-pointer at the buzzer as San
Antonio suffered only its second loss in its last 17 series openers at home.
Randle finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Harper
scored 18 points and Champagnie and Stephon Castle had 17 each for the Spurs.
Edwards was expected to miss at least the first two games of the series after
suffering a bone bruise and hyperextending his left knee on April 25 during
Game 4 of Minnesota's opening-round series against Denver. Instead, Edwards
worked diligently to return with guards Donte DiVincenzo (torn right Achilles
tendon) and Ayo Dosunmu (right calf soreness) out with injuries.
After draining a step-back 3-pointer early in the game, Edwards looked toward
the Spurs bench and screamed: "I'm back! I'm back!"
He definitely was.
Edwards did not start, entering the game with 6:53 remaining in the first
quarter and the Timberwolves trailing 11-8. He finished 8 for 13 in 25 minutes.
Game 2 is Wednesday in San Antonio.
Wembanyama had seven blocks in the first half. The NBA Defensive Player of the
Year opened the game by blocking a pair of driving layups from Terrence Shannon
Jr. on consecutive possessions. Two minutes later, he blocked Gobert's driving
layup just under the rim.
Wembanyama missed Bones Hyland's floater with his left hand, but recovered in
mid-air to swipe it with his right for his 10th block late in the third quarter.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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