MINNEAPOLIS. The Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back in the Western Conference semifinals, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 114-109 in a Game 4 marked by the controversial ejection of Victor Wembanyama. Anthony Edwards led the home comeback with 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, to even the playoff series at 2-2.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second quarter when Wembanyama was ejected after receiving a flagrant foul type 2 for an elbow to Naz Reid. The French star left the court amid the roar of the Target Center crowd, leaving his availability for Game 5 in question pending NBA review.
Despite losing their star early, the San Antonio Spurs competed until the final buzzer thanks to an outstanding performance from their perimeter players. Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox took on all the offensive responsibility and finished with 24 points each, while Stephon Castle added 20 more in a display of poise from the young Texas guards.
Minnesota Timberwolves, however, found answers down the stretch. Anthony Edwards emerged as the absolute leader when the game became most difficult for the home team.
The opening was evenly matched with both teams trading blows constantly. Minnesota tried to quickly capitalize on Wembanyama's absence near the basket following the ejection, but the Spurs responded with excellent offensive execution and impressive efficiency from mid-range.
Victor Wembanyama's presence had already disrupted several of Minnesota's interior attacks before leaving the game, and the home team took considerable time to find offensive rhythm even without the Frenchman on the floor.
San Antonio Spurs even controlled portions of the second half. After an irregular third quarter for Minnesota, marked by six turnovers, the Spurs built an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter following a three-pointer by De'Aaron Fox.
But Anthony Edwards completely changed the game's momentum. Minnesota's star began punishing from beyond the arc and truly ignited the Target Center with a three-pointer from well beyond the arc that brought the Wolves within 94-91.
https://youtu.be/fU15reqK6UM?si=q_PqXjkeHsYf5mEI
Moments later, Edwards struck again with another perimeter shot from the corner to give Minnesota a 98-97 lead, providing the home team its first advantage since midway through the third quarter.
From there, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid took advantage of Wembanyama's absence in the paint. Gobert recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds and made a crucial play with just over three minutes remaining, converting a 2+1 after a great interior assist from Reid.
Minutes later, Julius Randle found Gobert under the basket for a dunk that made it 107-101 and left San Antonio in serious trouble.
The Spurs still tried to mount a comeback in the final stretch thanks to Dylan Harper, who strung together a rebound, steal, and free throws to cut the deficit to just three points in the final seconds.
However, Minnesota Timberwolves closed out the game from the free-throw line. Ayo Dosunmu was fouled with 9.8 seconds remaining and converted both free throws that sealed the victory.
Naz Reid, in addition to contributing 15 points and nine rebounds, was a crucial piece in Minnesota's physical and emotional resilience following the Wembanyama incident. The bench and Target Center crowd responded immediately after the ejection and maintained competitive energy throughout the final stretch.
The series is now completely even at 2-2 before returning to San Antonio for Game 5. The big question will be the NBA's decision on Victor Wembanyama and any potential additional suspension following his ejection in this intense playoff matchup.