Timberwolves Edge Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 as Edwards Returns, Knicks Rout 76ers 137-98

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals on Monday night at the sold-out Frost Bank Center. Anthony Edwards, cleared medically to play just 90 minutes before tipoff, returned after a 10-day absence due to a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise sustained on April 25 during Game 4 against Denver.

Edwards scored 18 points off the bench, including 11 in the final quarter, helping Minnesota overcome a three-point deficit after three quarters.

Edwards hit his first three-pointer with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter, turning to the Spurs bench and screaming, 'I’m back! ' Finch later elaborated, 'We talked yesterday that if he [Edwards] was able to go, he was going to come off the bench, and if that, you know, was fine with him.

He was all in, and he did a really good job of not like pushing and forcing things, even though he knew he was on a minutes restrictions.

Edwards had been expected to miss at least the first two games of the series, but his return marked nine days since the injury. 0 rebounds in three games against the Spurs this season. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Each scored 16 points. Naz Reid and Mike Conley added 12 points apiece, and Rudy Gobert grabbed 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves reeled off a 7-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from Conley with 4:42 left, building a 95-86 advantage.

Edwards scored 11 of Minnesota’s first 19 points in the fourth period. 9 seconds remaining, bringing the Spurs within two. Julian Champagnie missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stated: 'Dylan did a good job pushing the ball and kicking it ahead. Julian had a fly-by and had a shot in rhythm. No problem with the shot. That was a great shot. The loss was just the second for the Spurs in their past 17 series openers at home.

Devin Vassell added 14 points, and Keldon Johnson had 11. Wembanyama recorded 11 points, 15 rebounds, and set an NBA postseason record with 12 blocked shots, despite going 0-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Game 2 of the Timberwolves-Spurs series is scheduled for Wednesday in San Antonio, with Games 3 and 4 set for Friday and Sunday in Minneapolis, respectively. In the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 on Monday.

Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, including 27 in the first half, as the Knicks shot 63% from the field and led by 40 points.

OG Anunoby contributed 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 points with six rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes, and Mikal Bridges added 17 points. The Knicks have won four straight games by a total of 135 points after trailing 2-1 against Atlanta in the first round.

They became the first team since 1996-97 to lead three straight playoff games by at least 30 points, according to Sportradar, and the first NBA team to win three straight playoff games by at least 25 points apiece.

The Knicks eliminated the Atlanta Hawks with a 140-89 win in Game 6 on Thursday, winning the final three games over the Hawks by a combined 96 points. Knicks coach Mike Brown stated: 'I can’t deny that our guys are playing pretty good basketball. And I’ve got to give them credit, especially where credit’s due.

Game 2 of the Knicks-76ers series is scheduled for Wednesday night in New York.