Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals is shaping up as a thriller, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs locked at 45-45 at halftime on Monday night, May 4, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Minnesota, the No. 3 seed, shot 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc during the first two periods. Forward Julius Randle leads the Timberwolves with seven points on 3-for-9 shooting, while center Rudy Gobert has contributed six points and a game-high nine rebounds. Veteran guard Mike Conley has added six points and two assists.
The top-seeded Spurs hit 38 percent of their attempts and 29 percent of their three-pointers but made the difference at the foul line, converting 7 of 9 free throws. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama tallied six points, seven rebounds and a highlight block on Naz Reid with 22.7 seconds left in the half. Forward Julian Champagnie also has six points, while guard Devin Vassell posted six points and two assists.
Statistics at the break
- Field goals: Minnesota 20-of-48 (42%), San Antonio 16-of-42 (38%)
- Three-pointers: Minnesota 5-of-13 (38%), San Antonio 6-of-21 (29%)
- Free throws: Minnesota 0-of-1 (0%), San Antonio 7-of-9 (78%)
- Rebounds: Minnesota 27, San Antonio 26
- Turnovers: six each
- Largest lead: Spurs 7, Timberwolves 6
The half ended in dramatic fashion when Gobert swiped the ball from De’Aaron Fox with 0.3 seconds remaining, preserving the tie. ESPN’s win-probability model listed San Antonio with a 69.4 percent chance of victory at intermission.
Series and availability notes
This contest opens the best-of-seven matchup; neither club had met in the postseason before this series. Minnesota is without guards Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). San Antonio is missing forwards Carter Bryant (foot) and David Jones Garcia (ankle).
Officials for the game are Andy Nagy, Marc Davis, Kevin Scott and Gediminas Petraitis. Coverage continues on NBCSN and Peacock.
Source: ESPN
