Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic performance, scoring 39 points with 15 rebounds and five blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference semi-final series. The Spurs now hold a 2-1 series lead after dropping the opener at home.
Wembanyama shot 13-of-18 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, adding three 3-pointers. His dominance on both ends of the floor was crucial as the Spurs held off a late Timberwolves rally. Teammate De'Aaron Fox described the performance as "greatness," noting that Wembanyama's work ethic and ability to withstand physical play are unmatched.
Fox contributed 17 points, while rookie Stephon Castle added 13 points and 12 assists. The Spurs shot 6-of-10 from deep in the pivotal third quarter to build a lead they never relinquished, despite never leading by double digits in the second half.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 32 points and 14 rebounds, returning from a deep bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee that had sidelined him for just one week. Naz Reid added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Timberwolves cut the deficit to one point late in the fourth quarter, but Wembanyama responded with a clutch 3-pointer to push the lead to six.
Wembanyama finished with 16 points in the fourth quarter alone, showing poise despite picking up his fifth foul with 6:18 remaining. He also grabbed a crucial rebound on a missed 3-point attempt by Reid in the final minutes.
The historic night saw Wembanyama join elite company: only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O'Neal have recorded 35+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a postseason game, and Wembanyama is the only one to do so while shooting 70% or better from the floor.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday night in Minnesota, with Game 5 set for Tuesday back in San Antonio. The Spurs will look to build on their momentum, while the Timberwolves aim to even the series on home court.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.