NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Victor Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever Defensive Player of the Year.
In the San Antonio Spurs’ 104-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday night at Frost Bank Center, Wembanyama recorded 12 blocks, setting an NBA playoff record. He had 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocks, becoming the third player to have a triple-double in the playoffs, including blocks, since the league began tracking blocks in 1973-74.
While Wembanyama played a defensive role, he struggled offensively, shooting just 5 of 17 from the field.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama scores points during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in San Antonio, Texas on May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
“We have to be better,” Wembanyama said. “It shows on the stat sheet. We have to determine before 48 hours what we can do best, and I have no doubt that we will achieve it. I trust us.”
The Timberwolves received an unexpected boost in the victory, as star guard Anthony Edwards returned from injury earlier than expected. Edwards suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended left knee in Game 4 of the Timberwolves’ season-opening series against the Denver Nuggets.
The 24-year-old was expected to miss the first two games of the Timberwolves’ series against the Spurs, but returned early.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama looks for the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle defends during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas, May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
He scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as Minnesota held on to hand San Antonio just its second loss in its last 17 home series openers. Edwards said he knew his presence helped calm his teammates.
“I know for a fact that just me being there calms everyone down,” Edwards said. “I’m not saying there’s pressure on any of my teammates, but it takes pressure off everyone, just knowing that I’m out there, I’m available to play, yeah. And I’m just doing what I do best, just trying to put the ball in the hoop.”
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley said no one expected Edwards to return so soon.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball while San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper defends during the first half in Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas, May 4, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
“Nobody expected him to play,” Timberwolves veteran Mike Conley said. “It was just his level of commitment to the game. Not just to the game, but to his teammates. It showed a lot.”
Edwards’ return helped propel the Timberwolves past the Spurs despite Wembanyama’s superb defensive effort.
The Spurs will look to bounce back in Game 2 when they take on the Timberwolves on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
