Anthony Edwards returns after 10 days, scores 18 in Timberwolves' Game 1 win over Spurs

Key facts

• Anthony Edwards returned 10 days after hyperextending his left knee.
• Edwards scored 18 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, in a 104-102 win.
• Victor Wembanyama set an NBA postseason record with 12 blocked shots.
• Wembanyama had 11 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
• Timberwolves lead Western Conference semifinals 1-0 against Spurs.
• Minnesota is without Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles).
• Spurs rookie Carter Bryant is out with right foot soreness.

A dramatic return in a hostile arena

Anthony Edwards announced his return to the San Antonio Spurs with a defiant scream after hitting his first 3-pointer with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter. “I’m back! I’m back!” he shouted toward the Spurs bench, though the sellout crowd at Frost Bank Center already knew. The four-time All-Star had been cleared to play just 10 days after hyperextending his left knee, a recovery that surprised even his own team. Edwards finished with 18 points, 11 of them in the final quarter, as the Timberwolves held on for a 104-102 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The win handed San Antonio only its second loss in the past 17 series openers at home.

How Edwards defied the injury timeline

Edwards hyperextended his left knee during the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, an injury that typically sidelines players for weeks. Yet after just 10 days, he was back on the court, playing 25 minutes off the bench. “That’s kind of who he is,” said Spurs guard Dylan Harper. “Superstar in this league. He’s going to come back and have games like that even though he hasn’t played for a little bit.” Edwards averaged 36.7 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds in three games against the Spurs this season. He has previously stated he enjoys competing against San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama, and their duel in Game 1 lived up to expectations.

Spurs prepare for every version of Minnesota

San Antonio entered Game 1 after a week off following a first-round win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Coach Mitch Johnson said the team prepared for the Timberwolves with or without Edwards. “When he doesn't play, I don't think Minnesota necessarily changes their style of play drastically,” Johnson said. “They're aggressive, they're athletic, they're competitive, they're physical, they're tough minded.” Keldon Johnson echoed that sentiment: “We just try to prepare as best as possible, so we’re ready for anything.” The Spurs had seen Minnesota grind through a six-game series against Denver with extreme physicality and elevated pace, an identity that translated immediately in Game 1.

Wembanyama's historic night not enough

Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic performance, setting an NBA postseason record with 12 blocked shots to go along with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Spurs fell short in a last-second thriller. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the challenge: “They're all shooting the ball at a little higher clip than when we were in here in mid season. They've settled into their roles and rotation a lot better.” Wembanyama expressed excitement for the series: “We’re locked in. We know it’s going to be harder than our first series. They are a team that requires you to be on for 48 minutes.”

Injury report: key absences for both teams

Minnesota played without guard Ayo Dosunmu, who is nursing right calf soreness, and Donte DiVincenzo, who is expected to miss most of next season with a torn Achilles suffered in Game 4 against the Nuggets. San Antonio was without rookie forward Carter Bryant, who was downgraded to out before the game due to right foot soreness. Coach Johnson expressed optimism that Bryant’s injury is not long-term. Edwards, despite his return, was not at full strength. Yet his presence alone shifted the dynamics of the game, as the Timberwolves leaned on their depth and defensive tenacity to secure the win.

What the series looks like going forward

The Timberwolves now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 set to be played in San Antonio. Edwards’ availability for the remainder of the series remains uncertain, but his performance in Game 1 suggests he can be effective even at less than 100 percent. The Spurs, meanwhile, will need to adjust to Minnesota’s physical style and find ways to contain Edwards while also generating offense against a stifling defense. For San Antonio, the loss stings but does not define the series. As Wembanyama noted, the challenge is one they welcome. The Timberwolves have shown they can win with or without their star, but Edwards’ return adds a layer of complexity that the Spurs must solve quickly.

The bottom line

• Anthony Edwards returned from a hyperextended left knee in just 10 days, scoring 18 points in a Game 1 win.
• Victor Wembanyama set an NBA postseason record with 12 blocked shots but the Spurs lost 104-102.
• The Timberwolves lead the Western Conference semifinals 1-0, with Game 2 in San Antonio.
• Minnesota is without key guards Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo due to injuries.
• San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant is out with foot soreness, but the injury is not considered long-term.
• The series is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams emphasizing physicality and defensive intensity.