The Spurs made it more difficult than it had to be, but they prevailed against the Timberwolves in a battle of superstars. Anthony Edwards had 55 points while Victor Wembanyama finished with 39 in a close game that featured plenty of big moments for both teams.
The first half had one constant for the Spurs: terrific defense that kept their opponent at 22 points in each quarter. Everyone was great one that end, except for specific plays. The offense was another story. De’Aaron Fox started out the game hot and Keldon Johnson did his job at leading the second unit, but there were too many turnovers and missed open looks in the first 12 minutes, so San Antonio actually trailed heading into the second quarter.
Once the offense caught up to the defense, the Spurs went on a massive run. Everything clicked as Castle dished out assists to Kornet, and the shooters connected from beyond the arc. But it was Victor Wembanyama’s jaw-dropping second-quarter performance that helped San Antonio get a 48-point frame that gave them a massive buffer. The Alien got himself going by getting to the line and then caught fire from outside, on his way to a 20-point period that had the Silver and Black sitting pretty at the break.
The Wolves, who were on the second game of a back-to-back, could have given up. Instead, they did what they have done to the Spurs in the past and completely took control of the game, chipping away at the lead by mostly playing with more energy and physicality and beating their opponent down the court in transition. Everything was easy for Minnesota, as they got into the bonus early and had Julius Randle coming alive to help a dominant Anthony Edwards. San Antonio reacted to avoid a bigger disaster, but only led by 12 after three.
The comeback attempt continued in the final frame, with San Antonio’s poor floor balance allowing the visitors to run off every miss and forcing fouls on the other end. Minnesota’s defense played with ferocious physicality that the Silver and Black couldn’t match. The Wolves took the lead at one time, Edwards was just unstoppable, and the Spurs were doing their best to hold on. They did enough to give themselves a chance at a close game in which Wemby and Fox had huge contributions to lead the team to an ugly but emotional win.
Observations:
- The Spurs came into the matchup on a six-game losing streak to the Timberwolves, including two losses to them this season. It wasn’t easy, but the streak was finally snapped.
- The Wolves were missing Rudy Gobert, out with injury. As a result, rookie Joan Beringer got early playing time and did a solid job in his first stint against Kornet, but struggled against Wembanyama. He then got to start the second half, as Naz Reid suffered an injury, and impressed with his tools and motor, playing a huge part in the Wolves’ comeback attempt. France keeps producing intriguing young players.
- The officials allowed a lot of contact in the past matchup, helping Julius Randle keep Wemby under control. They were quicker to blow the whistle this time, and as a result, Wemby lived at the line in the first half. In the second half, the refs’ willingness to call fouls worked against the Spurs. In the end, both teams finished with 28 free throw attempts.
- It’s always hilarious when NBA players look like they have never seen a zone defense before. It happened to the Spurs a lot on Saturday, but most teams have those games, which are equal parts baffling and funny to watch.
- The Spurs’ broadcast highlighted how good Julian Champagnie has been on the boards recently, showing a clip of Mitch Johnson praising his work on the glass. He had a massive board after a missed free throw by Edwards. Champagnie continues to add skills that could earn him a sizable contract in the offseason. He’s extension-eligible, and it would be great if Brian Wright could get him to sign a team-friendly deal, but it would be understandable to hold off due to his inconsistency as a shooter.
- Mike Conley missing a right-handed floater was a reminder that Father Time comes for us all. The Wolves have a chance to win it all because of their core and their superstar, but they need a significant upgrade in the back court just as much as the Spurs arguably need one at the forward spots.
- The third quarter was one of the worst the Spurs have had all season. A complete lack of urgency from a team that at this point should know it can’t just flip the switch. Especially against an opponent that thrives once it builds momentum. At their best, San Antonio looks like a contender, but they’ll need to continue learning how to avoid complacency.
- The Spurs are horrendous at coach’s challenges. It’s not a new thing, but it’s still frustrating to watch. They lost the one they called for, and it cost them the opportunity to have one for later. Every little edge matters against elite teams and San Antonio has to manage its challenges better.
- The Harper – Castle – Kornet lineups can be rough on offense at times. Fortunately, they have Keldon Johnson to bail them out. Keldon continues to have the best season of his career, maybe not by the numbers but definitely by how much he’s contributing to wins.
For the Timberwolves fans’ perspective, visit Canis Hoopus.
The Spurs will host the tanking Jazz on Monday, January 19, at 6 p.m. CT.
