SAN ANTONIO — Head coach Mitch Johnson trusted Victor Wembanyama to stay on the floor with five personal fouls Friday night, and the rookie vindicated that decision. The 7-foot-4 center delivered 39 points on 13-for-18 shooting, 15 rebounds and five blocks, powering the Spurs to a 118-111 victory over the Timberwolves and a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
The gamble came with 6:01 remaining, when Johnson chose not to substitute Wembanyama. San Antonio finished plus-16 in his 37 minutes and minus-9 during the 11 minutes he sat. The win returns home-court advantage to the Spurs.
“It’s the feeling I get before games—this heat in my heart,” Wembanyama said on Prime Video. “I’m built for this. I love this more than anything else.”
Historic stat line
According to ESPN, Wembanyama is the fourth player since blocks became official in 1973-74 to post at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a playoff game, joining Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Opponents went 4-for-21 on shots he contested.
“He dominated the paint on both ends,” Johnson said. “When he does that, everything opens up for him and his teammates.”
Slowing Anthony Edwards
Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards scored 27 points through three quarters but managed only five in the fourth. Devin Vassell and rookie Stephon Castle handled most of the late defensive work. “We know he likes that left-hand step-back,” Vassell explained. “The goal was to pressure him, make him go right and wear him down.”
Bench contributions
First-year forward Carter Bryant logged eight minutes, drilling both of his second-quarter three-point attempts. “Sometimes my job is to hit two shots; other times it’s to play spectacular defense,” Bryant said. “You can’t let yourself drift out of the game.”
Two-way players observe and learn
Emanuel Miller, Harrison Ingram and David Jones Garcia, all on two-way contracts and ineligible for postseason play, have remained with the club to absorb playoff preparation. “It’s been a blessing—a learning experience for sure,” Miller noted, citing lessons from the coaching staff and players on how to approach each series.
The best-of-seven series resumes Sunday in San Antonio.
Source: Hoops Rumors
