Despite a historic performance by Victor Wembanyama, who set a new NBA playoff record with 12 blocked shots, the San Antonio Spurs were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wembanyama contributed 11 points on 5-of-17 shooting and grabbed 15 rebounds. His 12 blocks surpassed the previous playoff record of 10, held by Hakeem Olajuwon, Mark Eaton, and Andrew Bynum. Wembanyama also became the third player in playoff history since blocks were officially tracked in 1973-74 to record a triple-double including blocks. Notably, he swatted away seven shots in the first half, including a layup attempt by Rudy Gobert near the basket.
Anthony Edwards played 25 minutes and scored 18 points, despite being expected to miss at least the first two games due to a bone contusion and knee hyperextension he suffered on April 25th. Rudy Gobert had 7 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block.
Julian Champagnie missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer for the Spurs.
“There were good and bad things. … I have to be better. If the offensive leaders of our team had been better, it would have been different,” commented Victor Wembanyama.