马刺 vs 森林狼 113 - 103 技术统计 | 视频集锦
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-02 23:39:09
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024年11月2日，星期六，在圣安东尼奥举行的NBA篮球比赛上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队的克里斯·保罗（左）正面对明尼苏达森林狼队的杰登·麦克丹尼尔斯防守。(美联社照片/达伦·阿贝特)
马刺队助理教练米奇·约翰逊(Mitch Johnson)出席赛后新闻发布会时，头发干爽，一丝不乱。
与上次格雷格·波波维奇(Gregg Popovich)因病缺席，他率领马刺队取得胜利不同，这次没有浇水庆祝的环节。
“那只是一次性的，”约翰逊说。
约翰逊和马刺队对球队取得赛季首个连胜感到非常满意，他们在弗罗斯特银行中心以113-103击败了明尼苏达森林狼队。
这是马刺队的第二场胜利，也是继周四以106-88战胜犹他爵士队后，他们再次以两位数的优势取胜。
凯尔登·约翰逊(Keldon Johnson)替补出场，砍下全队最高的25分，而马刺队还有其他四名球员得分上双。
杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)延续了赛季初的强势表现，贡献19分和10个篮板，而克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)则拿下15分和13次助攻，连续第二场砍下两双。
在对阵爵士队的比赛中取得“5x5”数据后，维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)周六的表现略显平淡，得到17分和2次盖帽——这两次盖帽都是送给森林狼队中锋鲁迪·戈贝尔(Rudy Gobert)的。
森林狼队的安东尼·爱德华兹(Anthony Edwards)和朱利叶斯·兰德尔(Julius Randle)各得21分，但在主场与丹佛掘金队鏖战一场后，全队显得有些疲惫。
“我们知道森林狼队是一支雄心勃勃的球队，他们正试图在赛季初确立基调，我们也会全力以赴，”米奇·约翰逊说。“我们知道他们会不断反扑，给我们制造一些麻烦。我们很好地顶住了几次压力。”
米奇·约翰逊在比赛开始前约90分钟得知他将代替生病的波波维奇执教球队。
这是约翰逊第三次执掌教鞭，也是自2023年3月3日以来第一次。当时波波维奇因感染新冠缺席，他率领马刺以110-99战胜了印第安纳步行者队。
在那场比赛之后，球员们用瓶装水为约翰逊庆祝，非正式地庆祝了他的首场NBA胜利。
在周六的比赛后，球员们对约翰逊赞不绝口。
“米奇做得很好，”保罗说。“联盟里总是会发生各种各样的事情，就像球员一样，‘下一个顶上’。为米奇点赞。”
以下是马刺队周六取得胜利的三大关键点，这场胜利使马刺队的战绩变为3胜3负：
- 保罗和索汉互相成就
当马刺队在夏天签下“控球之神”克里斯·保罗时，最初的反应是设想这对文班亚马和他的空接配合有多么有利。
事实证明，保罗的到来对索汉也有好处。
第一个原因很明显：保罗是一名真正的NBA控球后卫，也许是他这一代人中最优秀的。这意味着，与上赛季初不同，索汉不必再亲自担任控球后卫的角色。
保罗还擅长为索汉创造轻松得分的机会，这反过来似乎有助于这位三年级前锋保持活力。
我们喜欢杰里米的扣篮
pic.twitter.com/M9p41njWjm
— 圣安东尼奥马刺队 (@ spurs) 2024年11月3日
索汉周六的七个运动战进球中有五个来自保罗的助攻。换句话说，保罗超过三分之一的助攻是传给索汉的。
索汉在本赛季的开局阶段表现出色。保罗是其中一个重要原因。
- 文班的最佳防守球员竞争之路获得了早期助力
文班亚马对他的第一个最佳防守球员奖的追逐，在赛季初与去年该奖项的获得者鲁迪·戈贝尔的正面交锋中得到了提升。
让马刺球星占据优势的不仅仅是文班对这位法国同胞的两次盖帽。
马刺队似乎并没有被戈贝尔在篮筐附近的防守所吓到，他们在油漆区得到了52分。
2024年11月2日，星期六，在圣安东尼奥举行的NBA篮球比赛上半场，明尼苏达森林狼队的杰登·麦克丹尼尔斯（3号）正面对圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马（1号）的防守。(美联社照片/达伦·阿贝特)
约翰逊是马刺队中最敢于挑战戈贝尔的球员，他的10个运动战进球中，有几个是在这位身高7英尺1英寸的森林狼中锋头上完成的。
赛季还很长，文班亚马、戈贝尔和其他人还有时间来证明自己。在周六的比赛之后，文班亚马暂时领先。
- 赛程安排对马刺队有所帮助
前一天晚上在明尼阿波利斯与丹佛掘金队进行了一场艰苦的比赛后，森林狼队抵达弗罗斯特银行中心时已是筋疲力尽。
该队从明尼苏达起飞的航班于周六清晨准时抵达圣安东尼奥国际机场，森林狼队最终在凌晨4点15分左右入住了酒店。
森林狼队主教练克里斯·芬奇(Chris Finch)对轮换阵容进行了一些调整，试图保持场上球员的体能，但他的球队显然处于劣势。
可怕的“赛程失利”会在赛季中的某个时间点发生在每支NBA球队身上。
值得称赞的是，马刺队没有放过疲惫的森林狼队。在下半场将领先优势扩大到19分，马刺队确保了森林狼队和他们疲惫的双腿无法重新回到比赛中。
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is stripped of the ball by Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after dunking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Donte Divencenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Nickel Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves tries to steal the ball from Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after missing a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks past Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is swarmed by Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mike Conley, and Nickel Alexander-Walker #9 in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Keldon Johnson late in the second half as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs walks off the court after he lead his team in defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs greets Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the end of the game at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shot of Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives past San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is fouled as he shoots over Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels (3) passes as he’s defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Mike Conley (10) tangles with San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, center, goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) and Julius Randle during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a basket with guard Chris Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle (30) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, third from left, tangles with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Julian Champagnie during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama tangles with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Mike Conley (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, right, is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte Divincenzo during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan (10) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle (5) is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Josh Minott (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) looks to pass as he’s defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Coyote, right, San Antonio Spurs’ mascot, greets fans during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 113-103. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, left, speaks to referee Ray Acosta during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle (30) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs’ Malaki Branham (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) tangles with San Antonio Spurs’ Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan (10) and Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (27) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) and Jeremy Sochan during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks on the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves his fouled by Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks past Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Daishen Nix #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves takes warm up shots before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Spurs beat Minnesota for second straight win
3 takeaways as Spurs beat Minnesota for second straight win
San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul, left, drives against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson arrived for the start of his postgame press conference with a dry head and a nary a hair out of place.
Unlike the last time he led the Spurs to victory with coach Gregg Popovich out and ailing, there would be no bottled water shower celebration Saturday.
“It was a one-time thing,” Johnson said.
Johnson and the Spurs were pleased enough with starting their first winning streak of the season, popping Minnesota 113-103 at the Frost Bank Center.
It was the Spurs’ second victory in a row, and their second to come by double digits after also claiming a 106-88 triumph at Utah on Thursday.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points off the bench against the Timberwolves, while four other Spurs scored in double figures.
Jeremy Sochan continued his strong start to the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Chris Paul added 15 points and 13 assists for his second consecutive double-double.
A game after posting a 5x5 stat line against the Jazz, Victor Wembanyama was a bit more terrestrial Saturday, finishing with 17 points and a pair of blocks — both against Minnesota center Rudy Gobert.
The Wolves got 21 points apiece from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle but lacked for juice a night after winning a hard-fought game at home against Denver.
“We knew this is a team with high aspirations in Minnesota, and they’re trying to set a tone early in their season and we were going to get their best shot,” Mitch Johnson said. “We knew they were going to still come back and make a couple runs at us. We did a good job of just trying to weather the storm there a couple of times.”
Mitch Johnson found out about 90 minutes before the game he would be leading the team instead of Popovich, who the team said was out sick.
It marked Johnson’s third time running the show, and the first since March 3, 2023, when he led the Spurs to a 110-99 victory over Indiana while Popovich was out with COVID.
After that game, players showered Johnson with bottled water to celebrate what was unofficially his first NBA win.
Players showered Johnson with nothing but praise after Saturday’s game.
“Mitch did a great job,” Paul said. “Things happen within this league all the time, and just like with players it’s ‘next man up.’ So shout out to Mitch.”
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s victory, which evened the Spurs’ record at 3-3:
1. Paul and Sochan are good for each other
When the Spurs signed “Point God” Chris Paul over the summer, the initial reaction was to envision how good that situation would be for Wembanyama and his alley-oop game.
It turns out, Paul’s arrival has been good for Sochan, too.
The first reason is obvious: Paul is an actual NBA point guard, perhaps the best of his generation. That means, unlike the start last season, Sochan doesn’t have to man the position himself.
Paul has also been adept at getting Sochan easy baskets, which in turn seems to help the third-year forward stay energized.
we love a Jeremy jam
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 3, 2024
Five of Sochan’s seven field goals Saturday came off assists from Paul. Put another way, more than a third of Paul’s assists came off passes to Sochan.
Sochan is on something of a tear to open the season. Paul is a big reason why.
2. Wemby’s DPOY case got an early boost
Wembanyama’s quest for his first Defensive Player of the Year award received an early-season shot in the arm with a head-to-head matchup with last year’s winner, Rudy Gobert.
It wasn’t just Wembanyama’s pair of blocks against his fellow French countryman that gave the Spurs’ star the edge, either.
The Spurs did not seem all that intimidated by Gobert’s presence near the rim, attacking Minnesota for 52 points in the paint.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Johnson was the most daring of the Spurs to try Gobert, finishing a handful of his 10 field goals over the Timberwolves’ 7-foot-1 center.
The season is long, and there will be time for Wembanyama, Gobert and others to make their cases. Give Wembanyama a leg up after Saturday.
3. The schedule-makers gave the Spurs an assist
Having gutted out a down-to-the-wire victory over Denver a night earlier in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves arrived at the Frost Bank Center running on fumes.
The team’s flight from Minnesota arrived on time at San Antonio International Airport early Saturday morning, with the Wolves at last checking into their hotel around 4:15 a.m.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch tweaked his rotation a bit to try and keep fresh legs on the court, but his team was at a clear disadvantage.
The dreaded “schedule loss” happens to every team in the NBA at some point during the season.
Give the Spurs credit for not letting the dragging Timberwolves off the hook. By pushing their lead as high as 19 points in the second half, the Spurs made sure the Wolves and their dead legs could not get themselves back into the game.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is stripped of the ball by Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after dunking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Donte Divencenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Nickel Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves tries to steal the ball from Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after missing a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks past Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is swarmed by Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mike Conley, and Nickel Alexander-Walker #9 in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Keldon Johnson late in the second half as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs walks off the court after he lead his team in defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs greets Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the end of the game at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shot of Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives past San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is fouled as he shoots over Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels (3) passes as he’s defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Mike Conley (10) tangles with San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, center, goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) and Julius Randle during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a basket with guard Chris Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle (30) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, third from left, tangles with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Julian Champagnie during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama tangles with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Mike Conley (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, right, is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte Divincenzo during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan (10) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle (5) is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Josh Minott (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) looks to pass as he’s defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Coyote, right, San Antonio Spurs’ mascot, greets fans during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 113-103. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, left, speaks to referee Ray Acosta during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Julius Randle (30) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs’ Malaki Branham (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) tangles with San Antonio Spurs’ Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan (10) and Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (27) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) and Jeremy Sochan during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks on the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves his fouled by Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks past Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Daishen Nix #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves takes warm up shots before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on November 2, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News