The Spurs triumphed over the Timberwolves 136-123, led by Victor Wembanyama’s stellar performance.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-123 at home behind Victor Wembanyama’s 39 points and nine rebounds night. The Spurs are 1-1 versus the Wolves this season.
Keldon Johnson finished with 20 points and six rebounds off the bench. Harrison Barnes added eight points. Luke Kornet had eight points and six rebounds. De’Aaron Fox added 25 points, and Julian Champagnie finished with seven points and five rebounds. Dylan Harper had nine, and Stephon Castle recorded eight points and 12 assists.
Devin Vassell did not play due to injury.
The Spurs are 29-13 and will next host the Jazz on Monday afternoon.
Here’s a sample of what the Spurs and Wolves said after the game.
Mitch Johnson:
“The start of the third quarter was just way too nonchalant. And this team (Wolves) has done this to us enough times that everyone remembers and can expect sometimes the adjustment or the uptick in what we are about to see. And that was what happened. We let them get back into the game, and they are a tough group, especially when you let them get going like that.”
“It’s extremely disappointing, but it’s also acknowledging that those guys in there got the 25-point lead and they got down at the end of the fourth quarter and they won the game. So not going to sit here and be negative or not keep it all in perspective. That part is extremely disappointing and that part has been, I think, what has crept in at times and been our biggest thorn in our sign this year, which has just been at times some nonchalantness because we don’t have some of the depth of experience, history, wisdom, runs on the board, accomplishments to refer to when times get really tough.”
Keldon Johnson:
“We’ve got to lock it in and put that at our forefront because I feel like we bust our butts and we get up, and then it’s kind of like we get nonchalant, we get content, and they get to work their way back into the game. And I feel like that’s the third time we’ve done that, playing against those guys. But we’ve done it all season. So we definitely have to put that at the forefront, correct that, and continue to grow.”
Wembanyama:
“I guess the whole story of the game is obviously we let the lead go away, but if you talk about just the fourth quarter, we’re not thinking about this in the moment. So yeah, it’s just got to get a win no matter what.”
“Right now, as we’re progressing towards the next game, we’re not fully satisfied. It’s a nuanced win because they were in a back-to-back. They had some stars sitting out. So this is why I said it’s a nuance when there’s a lot we have to correct, but it’s still a win. And that’s the main thing I focus on.”
TIMBERWOLVES
Coach Chris Finch: