On May 4, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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 was 104-102, marking a significant upset as the Timberwolves were the sixth seed facing off against the second-seeded Spurs.
Edwards, who had been recovering from a knee injury, scored 18 points in just 25 minutes of play. His performance was crucial, especially in the fourth quarter where he netted 11 of those points. “I feel great. I don’t think I’m limited at all. It’s whatever coach needs from me,” he said after the game, showcasing his readiness to contribute despite his recent setback.
The Timberwolves showcased their depth with six players finishing in double figures. Julius Randle led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds, proving instrumental in securing this playoff win. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama had an impressive defensive showing for the Spurs, recording 12 blocks, which is the highest in a playoff game since 1973-74.
The Spurs struggled offensively throughout much of the game. De’Aaron Fox faced difficulties shooting and could not find his rhythm. Additionally, they were missing rookie Carter Bryant due to right foot soreness, which left them short on options against a determined Timberwolves squad.
Key statistics from Game 1:
- The Timberwolves scored 104 points, while the Spurs managed 102 points.
- Six Timberwolves players scored in double figures.
- Anthony Edwards played only 25 minutes but made a significant impact during crucial moments.
The Timberwolves’ head coach Chris Finch expressed pride in his team’s resilience and adaptability. As they now prepare for Game 2, they are aware that maintaining this momentum will be vital against such a formidable opponent as the Spurs.
This playoff series is part of the Western Conference semifinals, setting up an exciting matchup as both teams aim for advancement. With injuries affecting both rosters—Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu also sidelined for Minnesota—the stakes continue to rise as each game unfolds.
