Anthony Edwards Returns Early, Lifts Timberwolves Past Spurs in Game 1 Thriller

Anthony Edwards came back from a left-knee injury earlier than expected, scored 18 points off the bench, and helped the Minnesota Timberwolves steal a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series on May 5.

The Details

Edwards had been listed as questionable for the opener on May 4 after hyperextending his left knee and suffering a bone bruise during Minnesota's first-round series against Denver on April 25. The Timberwolves initially expected him to miss Game 1, but Edwards was cleared to play and came off the bench on a minutes restriction, according to Reuters.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch said the plan was set before tipoff. "We talked yesterday that if he was able to go, he was going to come off the bench," Finch told Reuters.

Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points, while Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. each added 16, Reuters reported.

San Antonio led by three points after three quarters, but Edwards scored 11 of Minnesota's first 19 points in the fourth as the Timberwolves built a nine-point edge late in the game, according to Reuters.

For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama recorded an 11-point, 15-rebound, 12-block triple-double despite going 0-for-8 from three-point range, Reuters said.

San Antonio had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Julian Champagnie missed a three-point attempt. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended the shot selection afterward. "No problem with the shot. That was a great shot. I hope he shoots it every time," Johnson said, according to Reuters.

The Associated Press also described Edwards' unexpected return as central to Minnesota's Game 1 victory.

Context

Edwards' injury on April 25 had cast doubt on his availability for the start of the second round. Reuters reported on May 4 that Minnesota listed him as questionable after previously expecting him to miss the opener, leaving the Timberwolves to prepare for Game 1 without their primary scoring option.

The comeback in San Antonio gives Minnesota home-court momentum even before the series shifts to Minneapolis. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in San Antonio, with Games 3 and 4 to follow in Minneapolis, according to Reuters.

What's Next

Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series is set for Wednesday in San Antonio, Reuters reported. The series will then move to Minneapolis for Games 3 and 4, giving Minnesota an opportunity to build on its road win.

Randle called the victory a signal for the rest of the series. "That's kind of a tone-setter for the series, especially being a road team for us to come out the way we did with composure, just playing good basketball," he said, according to Reuters. The status of Edwards' minutes restriction for Game 2 was not immediately announced.