Anthony Edwards Cleared for Game 1, Leads Timberwolves to 104-102 Win Over Spurs

Key facts

• Edwards suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise on April 25 in Game 4 against Denver.
• He missed the final two games of the first-round series against the Nuggets.
• Edwards was cleared to play Monday after participating in team activities Saturday and being upgraded to questionable Sunday.
• He came off the bench in Game 1 and played on a minutes restriction, scoring 18 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
• The Timberwolves won 104-102, with Julius Randle recording a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds).
• Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama had a triple-double: 11 points, 15 rebounds, 12 blocks (an NBA playoff record), and 5 assists.
• Stephon Castle fouled out with 3:20 left, finishing with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
• Julian Champagnie's last-second three-pointer missed, sealing the Timberwolves' win.

A Swift Return from Injury

Anthony Edwards was cleared to play Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, returning just 10 days after hyperextending his left knee. The Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star guard had been expected to miss at least the first two games of the series in San Antonio, but he expedited his rehabilitation to suit up for the opener. “He’s in,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said before the game. Finch added that Edwards would be on a minutes restriction. Edwards had been cleared to participate in team activities Saturday and was upgraded to questionable on Sunday’s injury report. He was a full participant in the morning shootaround and was cleared to play following pre-game workouts Monday.

Game 1: Timberwolves Steal Home-Court Advantage

Despite coming off the bench, Edwards sparked the Timberwolves to a 104-102 win over the Spurs, stealing the first game on the road. He scored 11 of his 18 points in the second half, finishing with three rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle added a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves opened the fourth quarter on a 10-of-13 shooting run (76.9%) and used full-court pressure to slow San Antonio. They built their biggest lead of the night, 95-86, with 4:41 left. The Spurs mounted a late rally, but Julian Champagnie’s last-second three-pointer rimmed out as the final buzzer sounded.

Wembanyama's Historic Triple-Double in a Losing Effort

Victor Wembanyama recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds, 12 blocks, and 5 assists. His 12 blocks set a new NBA playoff record. The rookie’s two-hand dunk with 30 seconds left brought the Spurs within two points, but they could not complete the comeback. Stephon Castle was the Spurs’ leading scorer with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, but he fouled out with 3:20 remaining after being called for a blocking foul on Terrence Shannon Jr. Castle’s exit came just as San Antonio had cut the deficit to six points.

Edwards' Injury and Recovery Timeline

Edwards suffered a bone bruise in addition to hyperextending his left knee on April 25 during Game 4 of Minnesota’s opening-round series against Denver. He missed the final two games of that series, which the Timberwolves closed out without him. The initial prognosis suggested he would miss at least the first two games of the semifinals, but his accelerated rehabilitation allowed him to return for Game 1. Finch confirmed Edwards would be on a minutes restriction, though the exact limit was not disclosed. Edwards’ return provides a significant boost for the Timberwolves, who now hold home-court advantage in the series.

Series Outlook and What’s Next

The Timberwolves, the No. 6 seed, have stolen Game 1 from the No. 2 seed Spurs on the road. With Edwards back and contributing, Minnesota has momentum heading into Game 2. The Spurs will need to adjust to Edwards’ presence and find a way to contain him even as he works back to full strength. Game 2 is scheduled for later this week in San Antonio. If Edwards continues to progress, his minutes restriction may be lifted, giving the Timberwolves a fuller arsenal against a Spurs team that will look to even the series before heading to Minnesota.

The bottom line

• Anthony Edwards returned from a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise in just 10 days, playing on a minutes restriction in Game 1.
• Edwards came off the bench and scored 18 points, including 11 in the second half, to lead the Timberwolves to a 104-102 road win.
• Victor Wembanyama set an NBA playoff record with 12 blocks, part of a triple-double, but the Spurs fell short.
• Julius Randle contributed a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds) for Minnesota.
• The Timberwolves stole home-court advantage from the Spurs, who now face a must-win Game 2.